Curriculum

The students have continued their wonderful start to their learning in 2025. This edition of our newsletter will focus on opportunities available for students who are performing well across both Literacy and Numeracy.

What is the VHAP?

The Victorian High-Ability Program (VHAP) is an initiative by the Victorian Department of Education designed to extend and challenge high-achieving students in Years 5 to 8 across Victorian government schools. The program provides students with the opportunity to engage in rigorous, stimulating learning experiences in both mathematics and English. Delivered through a virtual platform, VHAP connects like-minded peers from different schools, encouraging collaboration, critical thinking, and problem-solving skills. The program runs for 10-week cycles, during which students participate in one-hour weekly online sessions facilitated by experienced teachers. While VHAP does not replace the regular curriculum, it enriches students' learning, boosts their confidence, and helps them develop advanced skills they can apply in their everyday classroom experiences. Schools nominate students based on their academic performance and potential, ensuring the program reaches those most likely to benefit.

What is the selection process?

The selection process for the Victorian High-Ability Program (VHAP) is based on academic performance and potential. The Department of Education uses student achievement data, including NAPLAN results and school-based assessments, to identify students performing well above the expected level in mathematics and English. Schools may also nominate students who demonstrate advanced critical thinking, creativity, and problem-solving skills. Once selected, students are invited to participate in the program, with final placements confirmed by the Department and the school.

This term, we’ve been fortunate to have 12 of our Grade 5 and 6 students participate in the Victorian High-Ability Program (VHAP). Eight students took on the challenge of the mathematics unit, while four engaged in the English unit.

What will the students be learning?

Maths Program:

In the Patterns: From Symbols to Secrets unit, VHAP maths students will explore mathematics as a process of discovery rather than just finding answers. They’ll investigate number patterns, alternative numeral systems, and cryptography—concepts beyond the standard primary curriculum. The course encourages curiosity, with students asking questions, making conjectures, and testing ideas while developing multiple strategies to solve problems.

English Program:

In The Power of the Pen unit, VHAP English students will explore the purpose and impact of writing, imagining a world without it and examining its history. They’ll extend their story-writing skills through masterclasses on plot, character, setting, perspective, voice, and genre. The course also highlights how writing can empower, inspire, and bring about change, while encouraging students to explore humorous and optimistic texts.

Student Feedback:

Zack H (Maths) - 'What I like about VHAP is that its challenging and I’m experiencing different things and it's fun to get to talk to other people that are good at maths just like me, what I really like most is all the stuff we’re learning'.

Jedd B (Maths) - 'One of the things that I like about the VHAP Program is that I get to learn so many new things every Tuesday, and I’m so grateful to have the opportunity to be in the program, and I have already learned so much new maths'.

Eleanor C (English) - 'One of the many things that I have enjoyed about the VHAP so far is that every Thursday I learn about writing things in a different way then I would’ve before, and I’m challenged in a different way than I would be in my classroom'.

I have been extremely proud of all the 12 participants for their focus and dedication in the sessions.