An information evening for educators and parents

With

Dr Manoj Chandra Handa

From Potential to Performance:

A talent development approach for high potential and gifted learners

Recent research marks a significant shift in the field of gifted education—from identifying students as inherently 'gifted and talented' to actively developing the capabilities of high potential and gifted (HPG) learners through deliberate talent development. This evolving perspective moves beyond static identification to embrace a dynamic, growth-oriented model that empowers educators to support both the learning and wellbeing of HPG students, enabling them to transform their potential into high-level performance.

This session introduces a research-informed talent development framework that maps the progression of HPG learners from potential to competence, expertise, and ultimately, outstanding performance. Participants will explore the distinctive learning characteristics of HPG students across four domains of potential: intellectual, creative, socio-emotional, and physical.

Grounded in contemporary evidence, the session offers practical strategies for leading talent development at whole-school and classroom levels. These strategies integrate effective teaching and curriculum design with the intentional cultivation of student potential—ensuring talent is not only identified but purposefully nurtured. In doing so, educators empower HPG students to pursue and achieve personal excellence.

7.30 pm – 9 pm, Thursday 21st August 2025  HOBART TIME (Don't forget daylight saving!)

Those registered will be emailed a link and instructions for connecting to Zoom a few days before the event.

Dr. Manoj Chandra Handa is the founder of Oceans of Excellence, a consultancy dedicated to transforming schools through system-level leadership, talent development, and evidence-informed pedagogy for high-potential and gifted learners. With more than two decades of distinguished service within the New South Wales Department of Education, Dr. Chandra Handa has held influential leadership positions—including Principal Education Officer, High Potential and Gifted Education Coordinator, Chief Education Officer, and School Development Officer. In these roles, he played a pivotal role in shaping state- wide strategy, policy, and practice in learning, teaching, and educational leadership.

Through Oceans of Excellence, Dr. Chandra Handa partners with educators and school leaders to build inclusive, dynamic, and future-focused learning environments. His consultancy work focuses on building leadership capability, strengthening strong teacher– student pedagogical partnerships, and embedding best-practices that support the growth and achievement of high potential and gifted students.

Dr. Chandra Handa’s contributions to education have received broad recognition. He was recognised as one of Sydney’s “Top 100 Most Influential People – The Thinkers” by The Sydney Magazine (published by The Sydney Morning Herald) in 2012. His doctoral research —examining the intersection of student voice and the shared beliefs of teachers, leaders, and gifted students —highlighted the power of learner-centred approaches and pedagogical alignment. This work was honoured with the “Excellence in Higher Degree Research” award from Macquarie University’s Faculty of Human Sciences in 2016, and the “Smart Teachers’ Research Award” from The Teachers’ Guild of New South Wales.

A published education expert and recognised thought leader, Dr. Chandra Handa’s research spans student engagement, leading differentiated learning, creativity, and wisdom development of gifted learners. He has delivered keynote presentations and led professional learning at national and international conferences, bridging research and practice to drive transformative change in schools. His work continues to shape professional learning, school improvement, leadership development, and gifted education across Australia and beyond.

CONTACT DETAILS: tasgifted@gmail.com

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