Extend at EHS

At Eltham High School, we value mixed-ability classrooms, where students learn alongside peers with different strengths and perspectives. We believe that every student has something to contribute to the learning of others and something new to learn themselves. For this reason, we do not stream students into separate classes based on ability.  

At the same time, we recognise the importance of providing appropriate challenge and extension for students who demonstrate high levels of ability. To support this, we offer a High Ability Enrichment Program (EHS Extend) - a program that runs from years 7-12.

This term has been a busy one for our Extend students!  Our Year 9 Debating Team has launched, competing in the Watsonia Competition at Loyola College, they have completed 3 of their 5 rounds for the season and have taken home the win in the last 2 rounds against Assumption College. Ava Kent, Georgie Ambridge, Cinta Hasseldine, Ella Resciniti, Indie Maylea and Javier Des Champs Ferrari are the team members, and their confidence and expertise is building at each outing. 

In Round 2, Ella Resciniti was the best speaker and in Round 3 Ava and Javier tied as the best speakers.  Spurred on by their experiences in Debating, Ella Resciniti and Indie Maylea together with Scarlett Walker and Sienna Midolo took up the opportunity to compete in the Rostrum Voice for Youth Competition on Saturday 23 May. Each speaker spoke for 6 minutes in front of an audience, chair and an adjudicator and did an outstanding job of representing our school. They will be presenting their speeches in front of their peers over the coming weeks. 

Finally, 11 students from Year 9-12 had the opportunity to attend the Melbourne Writer's Festival Education Workshops where they engaged in interactive sessions with Tony Birch, Alice Pung and Maxine Beneba Clarke. Students really enjoyed the day, and their learnings will support their VCE studies in English.

EHS Extend classes have begun for the Year 7 and Year 8 students, and students who demonstrate advanced skills through assessments and teacher observations have been invited to participate.

MELISSA HUGHES

High Ability Learners Leader