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1080 Winslow Avenue, Coquitlam, BC, V3J 0M6| Phone: 604-939-9201| Contact Us
School District No. 43 (Coquitlam)
Learning for a Lifetime
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TALONS: Learning for the 21st Century

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​​​TALONS​​​​

Program Overview

​TALONS (The Academy of Learning for Outstanding, Notable Students) is unique to the Coquitlam School District and is tailored to Gifted learners in grades 9 and 10 at Gleneagle Secondary School. The core academic subject areas of English 9-10, Math 9-10, Science 9-10, and Social Studies 9-10 offer honours level enrichment opportunities. The program allows for acceleration, compacting, and telescoping these curricula to challenge Gifted learners in their academics. This congregated program is by invitation only for SD43 Gifted learners. ​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​



 ​Description:

The TALONS Program facilitates the personal growth and development of the individual learner alongside their peers. TALONS learners develop and incorporate their own knowledge and skills, learn both individually and collaboratively, and apply their knowledge to the entire scope of their learning experience and their life.

The program acts as a learning community where learners develop collaboration, communication, and leadership skills. Learners are introduced to models such as the Autonomous Learner Model and the Social Constructivist Model as part of their learning.

TALONS learners engage in the following goals and processes:

  • Understanding giftedness and individual potential
  • Connecting with other learners of high ability
  • Developing learning and interpersonal skills
  • Participating in outdoor recreation, cultural activities, and community service learning opportunities

The TALONS Program for Grade 9 & 10:

  • TALONS students take their core courses (Math, Science, English, and Social Students) at an Honours level, with acceleration, compacting, and telescoping of curriculum
  • TALONS learners participate in Leadership and Outdoor Education courses
  • In the remaining blocks, TALONS students have access to their electives at Gleneagle
  • TALONS students are available outside of school hours for camping trips and cultural events throughout the year

Eligibility for TALONS:

Applicants for TALONS need to:

  • Have previous formal identification as a Gifted learner while at an SD43 elementary or middle school (ie. learner has a Gifted Designation and an IEP in place)
  • Be attending a SD43 public school
  • Live within the boundaries of SD43
  • Have transportation to Gleneagle Secondary 



Applications:

TALONS Application by Invitation Only.

​​​Information about TALONS and how to apply will be sent to designated Gifted grade 8 students in December for an mid-January deadline​


Activities:





​​​Friendships:

The TALONS program allows for Gifted Learners to work and connect with like-minded peers.  Through class work, community activities, and social events, the TALONS group bonds as a community of learners for their two years in the program.



​For further inquiries about the TALONS program, please contact Michelle Hernandez, TALONS Coordinator or  Jeanette Murphy, SD43 Gifted Coordinator

mhernandez@sd43.bc.ca / jemurphy@sd43.bc.ca

School District No. 43 (Coquitlam)

1080 Winslow Avenue, Coquitlam BC
V3J 0M6
604-939-9201 604-939-7828