High Achievers' Program (HAP)

This term year 7 and year 8 HAP classes had the opportunity to experience Science through immersive Virtual Reality. Each student was given their own headset that placed them in an individual visual and auditory space. The students in year 7 connected to enrich their learning on simple machines and Earth-Sun-Moon, and the year 8 students enhanced their upcoming topics by engaging in a natural disaster simulation and plate tectonics.

Congratulations to the year 7 HAP debating team for two wins in their inaugural entry in the Debaters Association of Victoria Junior Secondary Program. A special mention to Annika Granger for being named a Top Scoring Speaker. 

The Premiers Reading Challenge was finalised in September, with 78 year 7 and year 8 HAP students enrolling in the challenge. Congratulations to Athvithan Nagarajan and Arjun Beniwal for their reading efforts and obtaining a Certificate of Achievement.

Our year 8 HAP students explored art, poetry and identity on their trip to the Immigration Museum in the heart of Melbourne. Students interacted with the powerful works of Australian Indigenous poet Jazz Money. Their creative writing workshop had them reflecting on place, belonging and connection. The day was summarised by the students as "inspiring" that challenged their reflective and expressive writing processes.

The year 9 HAP students have signed up for a full day of collaboration and learning with High Ability students from schools across Melbourne. Some students have selected the Mathematics Games, Puzzles and Problem Solving Day, other students will question "What is real?" on the Philosophy Day, some students curiosity for history will see them deep dive into Myths & Legends, and the scientist will have a full day in the labs studying Immunology 101.

These workshops will be supported with guest lecturers from Melbourne and Deakin Universities.

Monica Morscheck

High Ability / High Achievers' Program Learning Specialist