High Ability Programs-Did you know?

CPS provides a diverse range of high-ability, extension and enrichment opportunities designed to challenge students, develop their talents and support their academic growth and wellbeing. These programs provide opportunities for students to extend beyond the regular classroom curriculum, engage with like-minded peers and develop confidence, creativity, critical thinking and problem-solving skills.

Program Opportunities

Students access programs across STEM, mathematics, english and literacy, strategic thinking, coding, leadership and academic competitions, including:

• STEM: STEMpals, John Monash Science School Little Scientists and Victorian Coding Challenge
• Mathematics: JMSS Mini Mathematicians, MAV Maths Games Days, APSMO Maths Olympiad, Victorian Mathematics Games Challenge and the Victorian High-Ability Program
• English & Literacy: ICAS, Prime Ministers Spelling Bee, Victorian High-Ability Program and a range of specialised writing workshops
• Thinking & Strategy: Chess Mates, Born to Soar and G.A.T.E.WAYS
• Leadership & Communication: Public Speaking Workshop
• Enrichment & Extension: State Library Book Bash and other targeted learning opportunities

A significant number of these opportunities are funded by CPS, while programs including STEMpals, Born to Soar, Chess Mates, G.A.T.E.WAYS and ICAS are supported through parent funding. This combination of funding sources enabled CPS to offer a broad range of opportunities to students with diverse interests and strengths.

Student Learning & Outcomes

Participation in these programs provides students with opportunities to:

• Engage with challenging and intellectually demanding learning beyond the standard curriculum.
• Develop higher-order thinking, creativity, reasoning and problem-solving skills.
• Apply knowledge to unfamiliar, authentic and real-world problems.
• Work collaboratively with like-minded peers from CPS and other schools.
• Connect with STEM professionals, mentors and secondary school students, providing authentic insight into future learning and career pathways.
• Showcase and celebrate achievement through competitions, exhibitions, rankings, presentations and awards.

Building a Culture of High Achievement

The breadth of the 2026 High-Ability Program reflects CPS's commitment to ensuring that students who demonstrate high levels of ability, interest or potential are appropriately challenged and supported. Programs such as JMSS Little Scientists, Mini Mathematicians, APSMO Olympiads, VHAP, MAV challenges and writing workshops provide targeted opportunities for students to explore subjects in greater depth and develop skills that extend beyond the regular classroom curriculum. The Public Speaking Workshop further extended this approach by developing students' communication and leadership capabilities through practical activities including speech writing, debating, presentation skills, body language and rebuttal strategies.

Alignment with School Improvement Priorities

Providing access to high-ability and extension programs supports CPS's commitment to maximising the learning growth of every student by ensuring students are appropriately challenged according to their individual learning needs. These opportunities also contribute to student wellbeing by building confidence, resilience, belonging, positive relationships and a sense of achievement.

2027 Focus: Continue with current high-ability programs and source high ability programs for the Arts.