The Gifted Awareness Week theme for 2026 is Varied Voices, Shared Future

The term, gifted is often associated with students who are high-achieving and in no need of additional support. Unfortunately, however, this misconception can be harmful.

Many gifted children do not match the common stereotype of the bright, top-of-the-class student, despite needing educational adjustments to support their wellbeing and learning.

Although giftedness occurs across all cultures and socio-economic groups, gifted programs have traditionally included disproportionately higher numbers of students who are from Caucasian or Asian backgrounds, from higher-income families, and boys. Research shows that students from lower socioeconomic backgrounds, culturally and linguistically diverse backgrounds, Indigenous students, girls, and those living in rural or remote areas are often overlooked for gifted education supports.

Over Gifted Awareness Week 2026, we will explore the varied voices of gifted students - especially those who may present in unexpected ways. Such students may face a range of risks including frustration, irritability, anxiety, perfectionism, low mood, low self-esteem, low motivation and social isolation.

We encourage you to engage wholeheartedly during Gifted Awareness Week — ask questions, spark conversations and build partnerships — so that every child can have access to rigorous and relevant learning experiences, within schools and classrooms that are intentionally designed to meet their needs.

We'd love to hear your voice!

Past Gifted Awareness Week themes