Victorian High Ability Program

Matthew Lynch

High Ability Program Co-ordinator

In 2025, forty-eight students from Years 7 and 8 were selected to participate in the 2025 Victorian High Ability Program (VHAP). VHAP provides high-ability students in Victorian government schools with the opportunity to engage in a 10-week online enrichment program. The program focuses on tasks designed to extend critical thinking, problem-solving, and creativity, deepening students’ understanding of English and mathematics.

Throughout the program, students were encouraged to move beyond their learning comfort zone and experience challenge in new ways. They were supported to recognise that this level of challenge is an essential and valuable part of the learning process.

When students were asked what they enjoyed about the program, they responded variously as follows:

I liked that it wasn't like a normal class, just filling out a worksheet and preparing for the test, it was actually talking about how things worked and having a really nice discussion that everybody could participate in. That is how I learn best.

I liked how it gave me the opportunity and acknowledged what I would want in the extension through the school. I liked the discussion questions and being able to start a conversation that would eventually lead to deeper themes of understanding relating to the topic.

I liked the English program; it was informative and interesting.”

“I liked the challenging problems that made me think, and that we got to analyse movies for messages.

Selection for the Victorian High Ability Program is based on Naplan results, however, English and mathematics teachers can also refer students to the program who they identify as displaying high ability in their subject.  If you would like to know more about the VHAP please contact me via email MLYN@brunswick.vic.edu.au.

Students pictured in photos: Maverick Abanteriba, Nora Barnard-Hill, Aiden Brunt, Lyra Moxham, Henry Symonds, Emily Wardrop, Nicholas Bennett, Jeremy Lau and Emerald MacMillan