The Acceleration Program

This is a special program for gifted and talented students. Admission to this program is at the Year 7 level only, and the selection process involves a series of tests and interviews. 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 year in May, aptitude tests and interviews are used to select 52 gifted Year 6 children to join the Program in the following year. Applicant evaluation includes a series of tests. Interviews are conducted with short-listed applicants, and information is sought from their classroom teachers.

Students in the program join fully in the life of the School. They may be found - together with other UHS students - performing in the school concert, participating in sports or acting in the school production. The University High School offers a rich music program, and is also noted for its strength in English, Mathematics, Sciences, and Languages.

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 completing Years 8 and 9 students may select from a range of programs where they can complete their secondary education in either five or six years. Their curriculum is extended across Key Learning Areas where their higher cognitive skills allow rapid advancement: English, Mathematics, Science, Humanities, Languages, The Arts, Physical Education andTechnology.  The program is cohort-based, providing each participant with a supportive peer-group environment.

Students may take extra VCE subjects, completing units even before they join the VCE stream in Year 11. They have a very wide choice; in a typical year, The University High School offers some 130 units in 39 different VCE subjects.

Participants in the Acceleration Program invariably achieve excellent VCE results, and are admitted to a tertiary course of their preference – along with other students of The University High School. 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, The University High School 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, Assistant Principal Heather Thompson (9347 2022). The closing date for applications for the 2014 intake is Friday 3rd of May, 2013. Testing will take place on the morning of Saturday 11th May, 2013 at The University High School.