High Ability News
by Dr Bernadette Sheedy, High Ability Learning Specialist
English Masterclass 6
The final English Masterclass took place on Thursday 6 November, led by Mrs Lew. The session examined ‘How to Write a Non-Fiction book’ and explored topics including choosing a topic and discovering a unique angle, and researching, planning chapters and writing in a way that hooks potential readers. Mrs Lew discussed the stages in the publishing process, including writing a book proposal.
Attendees provided this feedback about the session:
The Masterclass is an amazing way to learn new skills and techniques! The Masterclass really encouraged me to think deeper about writing and the world of literature. I would definitely recommend these classes to anyone who is interested in English – Hina T 7E
The stages of the process were broken down into slides with detailed elaboration and advice on aspects such as target audience, marketing plans and overview. This masterclass has given me the useful steps and skills to master in order to write a proper non-fiction book. Publishing sites such as Kindle have given me a path to publish my own book in the future and create my own front cover using the site 99designs by Vista. I used to always wonder about how authors could publish books with pages and display outstanding front covers, and this masterclass has revealed the answers that I wish I knew earlier, when I was starting to gain an interest in writing books – Ekko J 7E
CHES Conference: Empowering Excellence –Teacher-led Innovation in High Ability Classrooms
On 13-14 November, the Centre for Higher Education Studies hosted their inaugural conference dedicated to advancing high-ability education.
The event included international keynote speakers Tom Sherrington (UK) and Morgan Whitfield (Vietnam) and featured Victorian teachers sharing their own expertise, showcasing action research, classroom innovations, and leadership arising from CHES professional learning (2023–2025) in partnership with Deakin University. The program also highlighted enrichment opportunities for high-ability students offered by VHAP, VCES and CHES.
Most staff currently teaching in the GAPP program attended this event, highlighting the commitment of our school to empowering teachers to meet the needs of high ability students.
