Education News
The Victorian High Ability Program
The Victorian High-Ability program has provided up to 48,000 high-ability students in Years 5 to 8 at government schools the opportunity to participate in 10-week online enrichment programs, in English and mathematics up to the end of 2022. A further 57,000 places will be available for students between Term 1 2023 and Term 4 2025.
The virtual program, delivered by Virtual School Victoria, focuses on extending and developing students' mathematical and English abilities. Students are selected for the program based on student academic performance. The selection process is centralised through the Department of Education and is based on student achievement data to assess student ability and readiness to participate in the program.
Congratulations to the following MPW students who participated in the Victorian High Ability Program in 2023:
Primary English program - Juliet MP, Oscar R, Sienna W, Charlotte M, Jade C and Yusuf S
Primary Maths program - Felix W, James M, Amy P, Harvey B and Oscar R
Here are some reflections about VHAP from some of our 2023 participants:
The Victorian High Ability Program, also known as VHAP, is a program designed to challenge students in their learning. There are ten weekly, online lessons across the term with students selected from across Victoria. We participated in the VHAP Maths program. We learnt about a variety of different complex operations, such as roman numerals, algebra and trigonometry.
By Oscar and Harvey – VHAP Maths participants.
We think VHAP is a great opportunity for students to learn advanced English and Maths. We participated in the VHAP English program. We watched videos to understand terms of speech, and learnt about the history of the English language. We explored the roles of characters in stories, using heroes and villains as a prompt. The focus over the term was to develop various writing techniques to compose our own story. The sessions were challenging at the beginning but the VHAP sessions helped us to improve our writing to hook in the reader. We would recommend participating in VHAP if you get the opportunity.
By Jade and Yusuf – VHAP English participants
Support your child's education with 12 months free internet at home
The Australian Government has established the School Student Broadband Initiative to provide free home internet for up to 30,000 eligible families with school-aged students:
- The period in which a family can apply to receive a free service is up to 31 December 2024
- The duration of free services will continue until 31 December 2025 for all existing and new families
The initiative aims to boost education opportunities. NBN Co is leading the rollout of this initiative across the country.
How the School Student Broadband Initiative can help your child
Children who can access online learning at home as part of their education are more likely to engage in classroom activities.
Access to fast internet at home can also support children to build their digital skills, learn how to safely use the internet and take part in a world that is more reliant on digital technology.
Eligibility
To be eligible, families must:
- have a child living at home enrolled in an Australian school
- not have an active National Broadband Network (NBN) internet service at their home (having a mobile internet service does not affect eligibility)
- live in a premises that can access the National Broadband Network through a standard connection. NBN Co will check this for you after you apply
- Not have had an active NBN connection during the previous 14 days*
- register interest with your school and complete a consent form to be assessed for eligibility.
* There may be cases where exceptions can be made, once you have had your address checked, please contact the School Student Broadband Initiative team at SSBI@education.vic.gov.au to discuss further.
How the School Student Broadband Initiative works
If you are eligible, your home internet service will be provided at no cost through until the end of 2025, with a participating internet provider on the National Broadband Network. Each internet provider has its own process to get you connected, which may involve you providing identification.
Once you sign up, the internet provider will help you set up your connection. The initiative does not include devices such as a computer or tablet. Other members of your household can use the internet service provided through this initiative.
The period of free internet will start from the day your service is activated with your chosen provider. At the end of the free broadband period, you will not be placed onto a paid service by your internet provider without your consent. The Australian Government is considering options beyond the free period.