Exceptionally Gifted Children examines the origin, development and school histories of fifteen Australian children who are amongst the most intellectually gifted young people ever to be identified and studied. The first phase of a longitudinal research project which will trace the children through to adulthood, this book looks in detail at the children's early lives and influences, their families and personal characteristics. More importantly, this book explores the school experiences of the children, the opportunities offered and denied to them and the effects of their early school life on their educational development and how the school environment can affect: * self-esteem * self-concept * motivation * the capacity to find and form friendships * the children's own attitudes towards their abilities and achievements. This fascinating study will be of interest to education researchers, those working in special educational needs, and anyone with a particular interest in this field.