ACCELERATION PROGRAMME

Downloads

To download general information sheet and answers to FAQ click here.

To download parent questionnaire click here.

To download teacher questionnaire click here.

To download information about the test click here.

To apply for the Programme in 2010 click here.

For contact information for other SEAL Programme schools, click here.

If you wish to apply, you must also download both the parent and teacher questionnaires above.

About the Programme

This is a special program for talented students, enabling them to complete their secondary education in less than the normal time. Admission to this program is at the year 7 level only, and the selection process involves a series of tests and interviews. A brochure describing the special features of the Acceleration Program and application forms are available from the School’s General Office.
The School’s Gifted Students’ Program, which commenced in 1981, is the longest running and most stable such program in Australia. It has become an integral element of the School’s culture and community.
Each April/May, aptitude tests and interviews are used to select 50 gifted year 6 children to join the Program in the following year. Applicant evaluation includes a battery of tests. Interviews are conducted with short-listed applicants and their parents, and information is sought from the applicants’ classroom teachers.
Students in the Program join fully in the life of the School. They may be found - together with other UHS students - playing in the school concert, editing the school newspaper or acting in the school play. UHS offers a rich music program, and is also noted for its strength in English, Mathematics, Sciences, and Languages. Languages offered are French, German and Latin.
Participants’ families represent a cross-section of economic, cultural and ethnic backgrounds. Parents are strongly supportive of the Program, reporting great pleasure at their children’s intellectual and social development.
Participants in the Program advance successfully to tertiary education – many taking up multidisciplinary courses, or degrees with double majors. Their relative youth is generally no impediment to university entrance, although some choose to defer enrolment while they travel or study overseas.
Students enter the Program in year 7, and after three years join the VCE sub-school, thus completing their secondary education in only five years.
Their curriculum is accelerated across those Key Learning Areas where their higher cognitive skills allow rapid advancement: English, Mathematics, Science, Technology, Studies of Society and the Environment, and languages. In the subjects Music, Physical Education, Art and Sport, students take classes at a level appropriate to their individual abilities and physical development.
Although accelerated, the UHS program is fully sequential – with no ‘grade skipping’. It is comprehensive, providing acceleration across a broad spectrum of subjects. It is cohort-based, providing each participant with a supportive peer-group environment, rather than offering acceleration through ‘withdrawal’ from the classroom.
As well as being accelerated, the curriculum is enriched by the inclusion of additional material and special subjects. Students take extra VCE subjects, completing units even before they join VCE stream in Year 11. They have a very wide choice; in a typical year, UHS offers some 130 units in 39 different VCE subjects.
Participants in the Gifted Students’ Program invariably achieve excellent VCE results, and are admitted to a tertiary course of their preference – along with other students of UHS.
They may also participate in the University of Melbourne’s Extension Program (MUEP), under which they take first year degree subjects while still studying for their VCE.
As a State High School, UHS does not charge fees, although parents are asked to pay a modest annual levy.
Any additional inquiries about this program should be directed to the Co-ordinator, Mrs J. Tarr (9347 2022). The closing date for applications for the 2010 intake is 26th April, 2009. Testing will take place on the morning of Saturday 2nd May, 2009 at University High School.
To apply on-line click on the link above. You will need a credit card with you and must have an email account (preferably not hotmail) to apply.
As part of the application process, you must also download and complete parent and teacher questionnaires. These are to be mailed to:

Ms J. Tarr
The University High School
77 Story Street
Parkville Vic 3052

 before May 2nd. Applications are not complete unless these forms are returned. Candidates for whom there is a missing form will be contacted by Ms Tarr in the week beginning May 4th.