Aspire
Introducing Aspire: Inspiring High-Ability Learners at Gisborne Secondary College
We are delighted to introduce the inaugural Gisborne Secondary College Year 7 Aspire Program, commencing in 2026.
The Aspire Program is designed to extend and challenge students who demonstrate both a strong passion for learning and academic strengths across multiple subject areas. Aspire has been developed to nurture the talents, curiosity, and creativity of high-ability students, providing them with opportunities to explore ideas in greater depth and to extend their learning beyond the traditional classroom.
Aspire students will engage with the same subjects as their peers but at a more rigorous and enriched level. They will remain together as a class of like-minded learners for their first two years of secondary schooling, developing strong connections and shared purpose. During this time, students will undertake a series of individual and collaborative enrichment projects that encourage higher-order thinking, creativity, and the exploration of complex, real-world issues.
The program aligns with opportunities such as the Victorian High Ability Program (VHAP) and the Student Excellence Program, and it will also support pathways for subject acceleration in Years 9–11 and potential early entry into university-level studies through the Centre for Higher Education Studies (CHES).
Earlier this term, Our Junior School Leaders and Assistant Principal for Teaching and Learning had the pleasure of reviewing student applications and have selected 23 students to join the inaugural Aspire group. The applications were truly inspiring—filled with creativity, curiosity, and a deep passion for learning. It’s clear that some exceptional young minds are joining our school community next year, and we can’t wait to see their journey begin as part of this exciting new program.
We have also selected our teaching staff for this program and are thrilled to be able to introduce to you:
Connect - Simone Moore
I have taught a broad range of subjects—including Drama, Humanities, Media Studies, Literature and Public Speaking—but my central passion lies in English and English Language, particularly the crystalline precision and power of words. I believe that classroom engagement is co-constructed, and I look forward to developing our Connect class in partnership with the Aspire students, where students can explore and articulate their understanding of ethics, identity and relationships. Together, we will foster critical and creative thinking, curiosity, a love of learning and a reflective mindset, ensuring these qualities become the cornerstones of our shared learning environment.
English & Humanities - Miranda Brown
I have been teaching in the English, Humanities and Applied Learning spaces for nearly a decade and absolutely love what I do. From Year 7 to VCE, I have an intense passion for teaching young people and guiding them to reach their full potential. I particularly love creating a safe environment where students can share their ideas and opinions and fostering discussions about all sorts of questions. From human rights, legal studies, history and geography to deep diving into literary works, my goal is for my students to see the world around them with an open mind and make up their own minds about what they see on a daily basis.
Health & PE - Jane Walters
I have been teaching Junior PE and Senior Psychology for the past 17 years. I love the opportunity to show students the links between physical well-being, mental well-being and academic success. I consider myself a “Jill of all trades,” having had a go at numerous different sports with varying degrees of success (and failures) along the way. No matter the outcome, I have always been able to learn new skills, meet new people and appreciate being out on a court or field I look forward to forming our own team which promotes feelings of belonging, sharing, connectedness and resilience while playing some of the traditional sports … and some new and less familiar ones as well!
Mathematics - Finn Sparrow
I’m a maths and physics teacher with a deep passion for my subjects; and for sharing that enthusiasm with others. I design fun, hands-on lessons where students feel safe, supported, and excited to tackle big ideas. My goal is to grow lifelong learners equipped with the skills to succeed in life. With thoughtful scaffolding and the right encouragement, I believe every student can do brilliant things.
Science - Marnie Sparrow
I’ve been teaching for more than 20 years, and I genuinely love what I do. I have a deep passion for science education and a real sense of joy when students begin to see the connections between different aspects of our Earth and the Universe. Whether it’s watching them link environmental processes to real-world issues or recognise how astronomy shapes our understanding of life on Earth, those “lightbulb” moments are what keep me inspired. My goal is to make science engaging, hands-on, and meaningful, and to help students develop a lifelong curiosity about the world around them.
Visual Arts - Tracey Phillips
I have been teaching for over a decade in Visual Arts education. I have a passion for creativity and exploring the vast array of possibilities in art and design. My goal is to extend and challenge students to develop their visual language and creative thinking through the visual arts that fosters curiosity, confidence, and a genuine love of learning.
We look forward to welcoming our first Aspire class in 2026 and celebrating the exceptional learning and innovation that this exciting new program will inspire.