High Achievers Program

The Point Cook College High Achievers Program provides additional opportunities for high achieving students. It recognises a broad definition of achievement, embracing and encouraging excellence in all forms of intellectual, academic and creative endeavour. Our High Achievers Program (HAP) is designed to offer high achieving learners, who have been identified as very capable and committed, the opportunity to work in a challenging and stimulating environment with students of similar ability. The team of teachers delivering this program create learning situations that will allow these students to achieve their maximum potential and enable students to gain broader and deeper knowledge with the capacity for critical thinking.

Purpose

To develop each student’s learning by enhancing their ability to problem solve and develop critical thinking skills, through inquiry, curiosity and questioning.

Vision

To provide a pathway program for highly able and talented students to challenge and motivate them to achieve academic excellence.

Aim

• Access advanced curriculum to extend and motivate students to achieve excellence
• Address the individual academic needs of high achieving students by incorporating programs to encourage the development the 21st century learning competencies
• Develop deep understanding and critical thinking skills and enhance their ability to work with more abstract and in-depth course material
• Become effective and creative problem solvers
• Successfully work as an independent and cooperative learner

Structure

The High Achievers Program will run within the school timetable and includes the following:

• Incursions and seminars for exam preparation and motivation.
• Community engagement programs, including attending local groups and aged care centres.
• Participation in all suitable academic competitions, including math, science, English and geography.
• Problem solving sessions, with a focus on communication and teamwork.

External Opportunities

HAP has a number of partnerships that will result in excursions, incursions and seminars with professional organisations, including Elevate study skills, CSIRO Crest programs, World of Math problem solving challenges and Wynspeak speaking competitions.

Selection Process

Students are to apply for a position into the program through a select entry process. The applicant must demonstrate excellent artistic abilities – either in visual or performing arts, outstanding behaviour and dedication to their academics.

The selection process includes:

• Online Application (including academic report submission)
• English & Maths Exam
• An interview in front of a panel
• Referee Check

Extra-Curricular

Participation in all relevant academic competitions (Math, English, Geography, Science etc.)

• Participation in community engagement programs, such as aged care visits
• Participation in all relevant incursions, seminars and excursions.

Program Fees

Students who are successfully accepted into HAP will be charged additional fees each year. These fees include, program pin, workshops on study and debating, entry into curriculum competitions, guest speakers and programs to study and leadership skills.

Information Evening Date

To be confirmed.

Program Contract

All students accepted into this program will be required to sign a contract, which binds them to meet the academic and behavioural expectations of our College, extracurricular expectations and those specific to this program.

Uniform

Students are expected to wear the HAP uniform on all academic days. On days students have PE, students are expected to wear full College sport uniform. When representing the College on excursions, full academic uniform must be worn.

Contact

Thomas Graham

HAP Coordinator

8348 7100

Thomas.Graham@education.vic.gov.au