Killarney Heights High School established its Year 7 Extension Class in 1998 - testing took place in 1997.
| RATIONALE |
|---|
| To offer
parents a highly academic alternative in a
co-educational, comprehensive school context rather than
travelling to a separate selective school. To provide a strong impetus for high academic achievement in the middle years of schooling, to encourage high expectations and to extend opportunities for enrichment. |
 |
| PROCESS |
|---|
Annually Year 6 students in surrounding primary schools are invited to sit for Mathematics, English (including Comprehension, Vocabulary and Writing) and General Ability Test.
Students are
ranked; offers are made and a Reserve List established.
The class list is amended/updated as family decisions
are made regarding choice of school.
| THE PROGRAM |
|---|
The class
stays together as a unit for the core subjects of
English, Mathematics, Science, History and Geography.
For all other subjects including Art, Technics, PD/H/PE
and Languages classes are mixed.
Faculties have devised special programs for the
extension class.
|
English: more sophisticated literature will be studied and there will be higher demands and greater expectations as students are encouraged to evaluate and analyse a variety of texts. Mathematics: Extension within the existing syllabus structure, such as more problem solving activities and computer based learning and higher order thinking. Science: A greater breadth of study. The Jason Project—an e-learning project supported by the Outreach Centre at UNSW. History: Skills development in terms of the process of historical research and in essay writing. Geography: A chance to develop extra geographic skills, such as mapping, and climatic statistics rather than merely more content. |
| EVALUATION |
|---|
Evaluation has
been ongoing and has included formal surveys and
anecdotal evidence.
From discussion with parents, teachers and students - 7X
has been a great place to be - high achievement and a
cooperative work ethic.
The class gives teachers the opportunity to apply
extension skills. Staff have been involved with a focus
on differentiating the curriculum for academically
talented students.
Community response has been very strong.
There has been very positive feedback, both formal and
informal from students, parents and teachers.
Each year we
gain a number of students who decline Selective School
offers to attend Killarney Heights High School.
The number of candidates sitting for the test has grown
steadily.
Students have also performed at a much higher level in
external exams and competitions.