Solway is proud to participate in many High Abilities programs every year, in addition to support and extension programs offered by Solway staff. These programs are run at different levels across the school, in a variety of subjects and are delivered through both online and face to face formats. These programs include but are not limited to:

VHAP- Victorian High Abilities Program

VHAP consists of ten-week online courses in Mathematics and English for both primary and secondary levels. Students engage in synchronous Webex classes with their online teachers. Students for this program are selected from Year 5 & 6 by the Department of Education.

Josh Monash Science Schools Program

Little Scientists and Mini Mathematicians programs are held at JMSS for students in Year 5 or 6 and selected by their teachers. These programs help primary school students develop an understanding of STEM topics, communication and problem-solving skills, to name a few.

Maths Olympiad, Maths Explorer and Maths Quest

Maths Quest (1 &2) - Maths Quest is an innovative teaching and learning program that introduces problem solving concepts in Years 1 and 2. Comprising a series of activities that are both interactive and fun, the program encourages students to work together, and learn from each other.

Maths Explorer Program (3&4) - introduces mathematical problem-solving to primary students in Years 3 and 4. Adopting a fun, practical, approach that students can relate to, the program lays foundations for future learning and encourages collaboration.

Maths Olympiad Competition (5&6) - Our flagship Junior Division Maths Olympiad for high-achieving Years 5 and 6 students allows teams and individuals to ‘put their talent to the test’ and compete against other schools and students across Australia and New Zealand.

VCES- Victorian Challenge and Enrichment series

The Victorian Challenge and Enrichment Series (VCES) provides a range of free extension activities for high-ability students in Victorian government schools from Prep to Year 12 nominated by their school. These activities cover all areas of the Victorian Curriculum and are designed to engage, challenge and extend students’ learning.

Activities may take place in person or virtually and the list of options is constantly updated. A suite of face-to-face and virtual incursions and excursions, such as workshops, tutorials, conferences, lectures and competitions are available across the series. The activities typically range from 90 minutes to one day in length. They may be held during school hours, during school holidays, after school and on weekends.

ICAS

ICAS is an online academic competition that gives students the opportunity to challenge their higher order thinking and problem-solving skills in English, Mathematics, Science, Writing, Spelling Bee, and Digital Technologies. Parents of students in Year 2-6 who wish to participate in these assessments must apply and pay online by Monday 29th July 2024. Please see separate Compass post for more detailed instructions.

In addition to these programs Solway also offers a wide range of sporting opportunities, free and paid lunchtime clubs, paid music lessons, chess lessons, a debating team, Tournament of the Minds teams, a Book in a day competition team, and public speaking programs.

If you have any questions about these programs, please feel free to contact me.

Sarah Watkins

Acting Assistant Principal

Solway Primary School Newsletter

Issue 8 · 28 May 2024

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