Academic Extension Course

The program aims to provide an appropriate level of challenge while progressing with topics according to curriculum to prepare students for senior school tertiary subjects.

Students in the Academic Extension Program will be provided extracurricular opportunities to both stimulate and challenge, and to ensure that they are well prepared for the rigours of ATAR study in Years 11 and 12.

The Selection Process

Students who wish to enter the Academic Extension Program in Year 7 are required to apply in Year 5 or 6.

Successful applicants will undertake Specialist Testing at Melville Senior High School in March.

Results from the tests, in addition to primary school and NAPLAN results are considered when awarding places in the program.

Note: Students can be moved in and out of classes based on academic performance and teacher recommendations throughout Years 7 to 10.

Year 7 program participants start in the Academic Extension Program for all four (4) subjects but may move out of one or more of these depending on performance each year. This provides flexibility to ensure that students are supported appropriately for their academic needs.

Application Process

The application process to apply for School-Based Programs process is different to the Gifted and Talented program, which is selected and run externally by the Education Department on a state-wide basis.

Year 5 or 6 students can be accepted into the program to study core subjects of Mathematics, Science, English and HASS around 4 hours a week. Entry into the AEC subjects in Years 8 to 10 depends on achievement in each subject in the year prior.

Many Specialist Program students are also in the Academic Extension Course stream. Academic Extension can be a part of your child’s pathway to success in developing the whole student.