High Abilities Program

CHES Year 10 Enrichment Electives

This semester, four of our Year 10 students – Daniel Brenchley, Anita Rose Delantar, Alex Sim and Izaac Stewart – opted to complete enrichment electives at the Centre for Higher Education Studies (CHES) in South Yarra. The aim of the enrichment electives is to extend and challenge high-ability students beyond the school curriculum. We are so proud of the students’ collective efforts and can’t wait to celebrate their achievements at their final presentation at CHES in June!

Below is a summary of Daniel’s experience within his chosen elective – Research Matters. The semester kicked off with a Seminar Day which included an orientation where we got to meet different staff members of CHES, as well as interview people from various professional backgrounds, like business and neurology who have experience with research. The following weeks consisted of online group lectures where we learnt all about the methodology of conducting professional research. The second Seminar Day included a day in the Laboratory, where we conducted a DNA extraction of the cells in our mouth to analyse various aspects of our genotype. Afterwards, we started preparation for the last Seminar Day where every student in each elective presents the progress they made to each other, as well as the staff at CHES. Research Matters has been an enjoyable elective to participate in. I’ve been able to acquire many research skills that will follow me into the future and each Seminar Day has been filled with experiences to remember. Applications for Semester 2 enrichment electives are now open, and close on May 30 th, 2025. If you are a current Year 10 student who is interested in this opportunity, please see Mrs Lee.

ACER Advance Awards for Schools

Last year, 38 students across Years 7-9 competed in the ACER Advance Awards for Schools competition. The aim of the competition was to challenge high-ability students to apply their knowledge and skills beyond the curriculum in both Numeracy and Literacy. These students were awarded certificates at their most recent assemblies for their participation in the competition; 9 of which were awarded a Credit. In addition, McClelland College has received a plaque – as held by Sammy Maypiece and Alex Sim in the photo below – to recognise our students’ exceptional efforts. Congratulations to all students involved!

Accelerate Program – Elevate Education Workshops 

Last week, students in the Years 7 and 8 Accelerate Program participated in interactive workshops run by Elevate Education. Students in 705 completed their Study Skills Kick Start workshop, whereas students in 805 completed their Memory Mnemonics workshop. Charlotte Dahlgren (705) has shared her experience of the Study Skills Kick Start workshop:

Nikita from Elevate Education came to our school. She was really helpful and gave us some useful ideas. She showed us a way to take notes that was clear and easier to understand during class. A lot of the things she talked about were useful, especially the tips on how to manage homework so it doesn’t feel like too much. She advised on time management and breaking work into smaller steps, which made everything seem more manageable. I liked how she explained things simply, because it made it easier to follow. She also taught us about learning in different ways, taking better notes, reading more effectively, and being more confident and independent with our school work. I think a lot of us found it helpful.