Gifted Females: Teachers, Nurses and Astronauts A Unit on Gender Issues PEAC: Primary Extension and Challenge

Abstract

Realising the potential of both males and females should be an important objective of every nation. Analysis of the status of women in the workforce provides support for the argument that many women are functioning as underachievers, a loss not only to themselves as they fail to realise their full potential, but also to society which is deprived of their full contribution. In this paper the special challenges for gifted girls are highlighted in a gender issues unit offered to students attending a Primary Extension and Challenge program. A single-sex setting for gifted girls is explored and evaluated. The realization of potential through the breaking with tradition and keeping options and choices open is an important issue for the girls.