Accelerated Learning Program

Background information

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?

Acceleration is speeding 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, giving them an extended range of options for their final years of schooling.

Students may subsequently choose to complete additional VCE units, giving them a greater breadth of subjects. 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 some 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

Testing will be provided by Edutest.

The tests cover

• Verbal Reasoning
• Numerical 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.

• The tests will be conducted on Saturday, 2nd May 2009 at Balwyn High School.
• The closing date for applications is Sunday 26th April 2009.

On the day of the tests, parents should bring their son/daughter to the school no later than 8.30 am as testing will commence at 9 am 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.

For information about testing and to access Practice Tests, click here.

To apply for the Balwyn High School ALP program in 2010, click here.

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 every two weeks. (This is because Balwyn High School works on a two-week timetable which students quickly come to know as Week A and Week B.)

Legend: Unless otherwise designated, all subjects are studied for the year. There are a total of 60 lessons each fortnight.
^ Compulsory subjects of one semester (20 weeks).
* Elective studies are offered on a semester basis. Students select from the Year 10 elective program.