What is giftedness?

Giftedness is not easily defined, nor is it always simple to recognize—whether in yourself or in others. While it is typically associated with an IQ of 130 or higher, giftedness entails more than just "being smart." It also involves creative capacity: the ability to devise solutions to problems in an original and inventive way, and motivation.

Other common characteristics include:

• Critical mindset
• High sensitivity (hypersensitivity)
• Curiosity and a broad range of interests
• Strong sense of justice
• Experiencing emotions and interests with great intensity
• Perfectionism and a fear of making mistakes

It is important to note that giftedness is not an official medical diagnosis. Rather, it is a way of thinking, feeling, and learning - with its own inherent strengths and potential pitfalls.

Common challenges for gifted students

Although giftedness is often associated with "learning easily," gifted students do not always experience it that way. You may encounter boredom or a lack of challenge, perfectionism and fear of failure, difficulty with planning and structuring, overstimulation or mental fatigue, self-doubt or insecurity, and underachievement. While some of these issues are experienced by many students, for those who are gifted, they are often more intense, persistent, or complex in nature.

The purpose of this group is to meet other gifted students. Each session may include a short informative segment on a topic related to high giftedness, along with plenty of opportunity to connect with fellow students.

For whom?

Who is this group for? Any student who recognizes the described characteristics of high giftedness in themselves or feels an affinity with them. In this meeting cannot not be ‘diagnosed’ whether you are high gifted or not. Please do register for this event when you are interested and like to join us.

Guidance

The peer group is facilitated by study advisors Marloes van der Winkel and Anna Daniels, and student psychologist Joost Molenaar. Do you have any questions? Please feel free to reach out to one of us.