Accelerated Learning Program 2014
Applications are now open for entry into the Balwyn High School Accelerated Learning
Program (ALP) at Year 7 in 2014. Applications close Friday April 19, 2013.
For information about testing and to access Practice Tests, click here.
To apply for the Balwyn High School ALP program in 2014,
click here.
Balwyn High School offers places in the Accelerated Learning Program (ALP) to a
limited number of very capable and committed students. Generally, they are Grade
6 students who may benefit from taking part in an accelerated learning program.
Suitable students will have academic skills above those of their age peer group.
Students taking this program are expected to progress to the VCE (Victorian Certificate
of Education) program after three years instead of four. Students in this program
will generally have their own laptop computer as this class is part of the BHS Laptop
Program.
What is accelerated learning?
Accelerated learning speeds up the delivery of content to match the learning needs
of the student. The student may cover core content of a school program more rapidly
than other students of their own age. This ability provides opportunities for study
in greater depth. Additional areas of study not usually included in the curriculum
may also be undertaken, such as an additional language study and philosophy. This
may mean that a student advances more quickly than other students of their own age
in certain subject areas or through year levels. To optimise learning, progression
is based on the specific needs of each student. Students may have the time and ability
to engage in extension through academic competitions and university enrichment programs.
What are the characteristics and learning needs of students in the Program?
Gifted and high-potential students are found in all communities, all socio-economic
backgrounds and all cultural backgrounds. In every class there are students who
will require the curriculum to be modified to ensure there is challenge in their
learning.
Gifted and high-potential students will have this potential throughout their lives.
Like other students, it is important to meet their educational and social development
in all aspects of schooling. All students need to be learning at the edge of their
ability. Striving and the experience of failure are integral to establishing effective
lifelong learning skills.
Gifted and high-potential students are capable of achieving at levels well beyond
other students of their own age. Accurate assessment is critical as it enables teachers
to plan directly in response to the needs of each student. In most cases, above-level
achievement tests (where younger children are tested using a test developed for
older students) should be used to ensure accurate information.
An accelerated learning program will not suit every student who is academically
talented. Students need to have a high level of maturity and commitment, and be
capable of independent learning. It is important that parents do not pressure students
unduly to participate in the program. The student should be eager to move ahead.
ALP participants will still be in a mixed-ability classroom; however, the range
of abilities involved will be narrower than is the range found in a mainstream class.
How does the Program work?
Work in core subjects is accelerated for students in these programs, and opportunities
for in-depth study are provided. Students usually complete Years 7-10 in three years,
creating options during their final years of schooling.
Students may subsequently choose to complete additional VCE units, broadening the
range of subjects they have undertaken. Some students undertake VCE Extension Studies
which allows them to complete one or more university subjects as part of their VCE.
Students may choose one of the following pathways:
1. Complete VCE in the usual two years and enter tertiary education one year
earlier, having finished secondary school in five years. or
2. Take a wider choice of VCE subjects over three years and remain at secondary
school for six years.
With either option there is the possibility of studying first year university subjects
alongside the VCE program.
Some tertiary institutions and courses have age restrictions that affect the entry
of younger applicants. Please also note that some tertiary courses have entry policies
affecting students who do their VCE over an extended period. ALP students with concerns
about specific requirements for their preferred tertiary courses should contact
the tertiary institution concerned.
It is assumed that students who gain a place in the ALP will not relinquish it for
a scholarship place in a mixed-ability class at another school.
Eligibility testing is provided by Edutest
The tests cover
- Verbal Reasoning
- Verbal Reasoning
- Reading Comprehension
- Mathematics
- Written Expression
Please note that all applications must be made online via the link provided below.
Do not send photographs, school reports, portfolios or other materials to the school
in order to support your child’s application.
Candidates who gain suitable test scores across the whole range of skill areas being
tested will be interviewed. Information from the student’s primary school will also
be sought, as deemed necessary. Initially, one class of ALP participants will be
selected, with a reserve list.
On the day of the tests, parents should bring their son/daughter to the school no
later than 8.30am as testing will commence at 9am sharp. At the end of the testing,
the students should be ready for parents to collect at 12 noon.
The students will have a short break and can bring a drink and something to eat.
Each student should bring two 4B or 2B pencils, an eraser and a pencil sharpener.
A wrist watch will be helpful.
Curriculum
This Accelerated Learning Program enables students to complete Years 7 to 10 in
three years and to have the option of completing VCE over two or three years.
Adjustments to the following curriculum structure may be made from time to time.
The number following each subject name indicates how many school periods are allocated
to that subject. Each period is 75 minutes in length.
YEAR 1 (ALP 1 )
English x 3
Maths x 3
Science x 2
History/Geography x 3
LOTE x 2
Music x 2
Art x 2
Physical Education x 2
Sport x 1
YEAR 2 (ALP2)
English x 3
Maths x 3
Science x 2
History/Geography x 3
LOTE x 2
Art x 2
Two elective subjects (2 x 2)
Sport x 1
YEAR 3 (ALP 3)
English 3
Maths x 3
Science x 2
History/Geography x 3
Tutorial x 1
Physical Education x 2
Three elective subjects (3 x 2)