In 2024 Geelong High School is offering an Accelerated Program for new Year 7 students in 2024, that will run through to Year 9 in the following years. It will also be continuing the current options for students to accelerate from 10-12 open to all students..
This is a great opportunity for students who are looking for extra challenge and who are motivated and engaged learners that wish to be part of a program for like-minded students.
Some key characteristics of our ALP program are:
- Acceleration in the core subjects of Maths, English, Science and Humanities from Year 7 More higher order thinking
- Less repetition of content
- Faster curriculum progression
- Opportunities for acceleration into the Senior Years
- A wide range of extracurricular extension opportunities
- A focus on deep learning and academic enrichment
What does acceleration mean at GHS?
Acceleration means progressing through curriculum and learning faster, having more challenging opportunities and more emphasis on leadership and higher order thinking skills.
Students in the ALP will accelerate in English, Science, Maths and Humanities from Year 7-9 together as a class.
From Year 10 they will continue to be able to accelerate as part of our wider acceleration program across all subjects and open to all students.
What extracurricular activities can I get involved in?
Students will be able to take part in debating, Model United Nations, the entirely student run newspaper, World Scholars Cup, our peripatetic music tuition program, bands, our orchestra, the school production, a myriad of sporting teams and experiences, student leadership training and opportunities, ICAS assessment competitions, a wide range of lunchtime clubs, the Australian Mathematics Competition and activities such as chess club, manga anime club and more.
Accelerated Learning Program Course Structure and Eligibility
Student Eligibility
Accelerated Learning Programs are not for all students and whilst they can be rewarding, they can also be challenging as students will be expected to be self-motivated and independent learners. Two key parts of the program will be increased workload and faster curriculum coverage in the early years of secondary school and students must be prepared to engage positively with this extra challenge. The ALP program is suited to students who:
- Are engaged by academic challenge
- Enjoy problem solving
- Are mature and committed to their learning
- Are motivated to achieve excellence
- Enjoy working alongside like-minded peers
- Thrive in independent and collaborative learning
| Year at Secondary School | Program |
|---|---|
1 |
Year 7 and 8 |
2 |
Year 8 and 9 |
3 |
Year 9 and 10 (Option to Accelerate into Year 10 Pre-VCE Subjects) |
Course Counselling will ensure at the end of Year 9 that students continue to accelerate in appropriate strength areas |
|
4 |
Year 10 - Options include Yr10 Accelerated English/Advanced Maths, Pre-VCE Chemistry, Biology, Physics and Electives, and VCE Units 1 & 2 |
5 |
Year 11 - Students complete Units 1 & 2 subject electives, and can complete Unit 3 & 4 subjects |
6 |
Year 12 - Students complete their VCE Unit 3 & 4 subjects, and can enter into Deakin Accelerate and complete a first year University Subject |
How do I apply?
The application process for the 2024 Year 7 GHS ALP class involves testing by EduTest in the following areas:
- Verbal Reasoning
- Numerical Reasoning
- Reading Comprehension
- Maths Skills
- Creative Writing
Parents must complete the application form available on the school website by July 31st, 2023, and take it to the front office. When your primary school gives you your High School preference sheet, ensure that you put Geelong High School as your number one preference. Students who are offered a place at Geelong High School will then be asked to complete a test online at the school on Saturday the 26th of August. Families must register for the test by Friday the 18th of August via a link they will be emailed after their application. An interview will also be conducted for students who are shortlisted.