A group of mathematics and English whizzes at Laverton P-12 College are receiving extra enrichment support thanks to a Department of Education program.
Two Grade 5 pupils and three Year 8 students are forming this year’s cohort participating in the Victorian High-Ability program as part of the Student Excellence program.
Delivered by Virtual School Victoria (VSV), the program focuses on extending and developing students’ mathematical or English abilities.
Laverton P-12 College High-Ability program co-ordinator Linh Dinh said the 10-week online course would see the participants introduced them to new skills which can be adopted across all classes and beyond the program.
The High Ability program looks to extend students beyond their current level,” she said.
“By working with other high-achieving students, they are able to be challenged in their learning, develop deeper insight, and take academic risks.
“We’re hoping to harness the skills that they develop in the High Ability program and continue to work with classroom teachers to integrate these skills into their classes this year and beyond.”
Ms Dinh said this year’s cohort will be the school has been co-ordinating the program for a new group of students each term.
“The High Ability program started two years ago,” she said.
“We have been tracking progress of existing and past students through future NAPLAN, semester reports, VCE data and hoping to provide support beyond this program.
“The school is looking into hosting our own Masterclass and liaising with schools within the area to support students across the region.”
Located in Thornbury, VSV currently delivers about 300 subjects.
The school delivers the Victorian High-Ability Program to about 50,000 high-performing state school students in Years 5 to 8.
Matthew Sims
