Special Programs

High Achievers

The High Achievers' Program encompasses the Key Learning Areas of English, Mathematics, Humanities, Science, Technology and the Arts, with the students remaining in a discrete group for their tuition in these subjects. However, it is important that students within the Program have the opportunity to socialise and learn with a larger cohort of students and, therefore, they undertake their studies within the areas of LOTE, Physical Education and Sport in mixed groups. This is not an accelerated learning program.

The High Achievers' Program initially runs for Years 7 and 8. In Year 9 students are involved in an authentic learning program with an emphasis on team learning, connections to the local community and extensive use of Information and Communication Technology. When they are in Year 10, the students will be provided with the opportunity for extension and challenge through a combination of extension mathematics, elective subjects and some VCE studies.

Thornbury High believes that students in the High Achievers' Program:

Will be more motivated and productive because they are learning at a more advanced level
Will enter VCE with highly developed study skills
Have the opportunity to study subjects in depth and to employ a greater range of higher order thinking skills

Across the years 7 and 8 the following skills are developed:

Co-operation and working with others
Organisation skills including meeting deadlines
Independent research and problem solving
Meeting challenges and developing higher order thinking skills

Across the years 7 and 8 the following teaching and learning strategies are used:

A variety of instructional approaches
Students work individually, in pairs and in groups, depending on the task
Students are encouraged to present their completed work in a variety of formats
Students are supported to explore new ideas and approaches (risk taking)
Extension work is always available

Many teachers see the High Achievers' class as a forum to trial innovative practices then incorporate some of these practices in mainstream classes. Innovative practices used include:

Explicit teaching of problem solving strategies
Integrated teaching of Personal Development, English and Humanities
Use of graphic organisers to encourage higher order thinking skills
Interpreting and analysing solutions found

Students wishing to be considered for this program must submit an application with the NAPLAN (AIM) results for grade 5. The school will also contact the student's Primary School for a recommendation from the Grade 6 teacher. Students may also need to sit for a short test.

For further information please download The Acceleration and Enhancement Brochure.