eNewsletter

ExACT 

The ExACT (ExACT) Program aims to assist students in Years 3-6 at St Helena’s Catholic Primary School by providing academic Extension through the Application of Creative and Critical Thinking skills. Within the program, the units of work will include opportunities for the development of skills such as the exploration and growth of critical and creative thinking, creative problem solving, researching, and higher-order thinking tasks.

 

Testing, using a variety of assessments, has shown that all students benefit from additional support to further develop their academic potential. Children with exceptional abilities need access to appropriate programs to meet their learning needs. Students can then be supported and challenged to develop their academic talents. 

Students eligible for selection into the ExACT program are those who excel or have the potential to excel in general academic areas, abstract reasoning, or specific ability areas such as English, mathematics or science. ExACT will assist in the learning journey for these students by providing the appropriate environmental catalyst, developmental process, and assistance with intrapersonal development. Inclusion in the programme in Years 3-6 will be considered according to the identification methods listed below: 

  1. diagnostic testing (e.g., AGAT, TOLA and other relevant testing i.e., SPM)
  2. standardised testing such as NAPLAN, PAT-M & PAT-R
  3. external psychometric testing by a practising psychologist (i.e., WISC or Stanford Binet) 
  4. Classroom & ExACT Teacher approval
  5. Principal approval

Students that are selected to take part in the weekly ExACT program will be provided with:

  • opportunities to work on STEM projects.
  • opportunities to develop their creative and critical thinking. 
  • opportunities to compete and experience external competitions which may include:
    • Tim Winton Writing Competition  
    • CEWA - Minecraft Challenge 
    • National History Challenge 
    • Science Talent Search
    • ‘Have Sum’ Fun Maths Competition
    • Cluedunnit (Law Society of WA)
    • Young ICT Explorers
    • Royal Show – Scarecrow Build
    • STEM – Video Game Challenge
    • Make Your Own Storybook Competition 
    • STEM MAD – CEWA National STEM Competition