TRAFALGAR HIGH SCHOOL
Accelerated Learning Program
Locked Bag 1,
Trafalgar, 3824
Phone: 5633 1733
Fax: 5633 2378
Email: trafalgar.hs@edumail.vic.gov.au
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TRAFALGAR HIGH SCHOOL Accelerated Learning Program
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Locked Bag 1, Email: trafalgar.hs@edumail.vic.gov.au |
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| This Accelerated Program groups together bright students into a single class. Students remain in their form group for most of their subjects. In 1997, 8 Government schools provided Select Entry Accelerated Learning Programs to their students. Trafalgar High School was the first country school to establish this type of program. The program is modelled on the successful University High School program which has operated since the early 1980's. | |
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The program began in 1997
with a group of 22 students (9 boys and 13 girls). This year's intake in
Year 7, is a class of 24. Class sizes in the Accelerated
Program are comparable to mainstream classes, with all classes currently
less than 25. The first group of students, who began in 1997 completed
their VCE studies, extremely successfully in 2002.
The program draws students from schools in the Baw Baw and Latrobe Shires, ranging from Drouin to Traralgon. |
| An independent
review of the program, conducted by Vic Rowlings in 2000, was extremely
positive, showing high levels of student, parent and staff satisfaction
with the program. A copy of this review has been provided to Primary
School Principals.
Many families now have younger siblings also enrolled in the program and they have been active in recommending he program to other parents and students. |
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| Curriculum is pitched at a level that is more appropriate for these students. While the ability level of the individual students in the program does vary, the overall level of ability is high, and consequently, many class room based activities can be pitched at a higher level. We have found that students benefit greatly from being in a group with other bright students. |
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| Students
undertake a somewhat different curriculum. In brief, they do more LOTE and
Information Technology. Metalwork / Woodwork, Drama and Graphics are
introduced in the second year. Students work together in form groups in
the first two years (as do the students in mainstream) mixing with other
students in their year level for PE and Sport. In the third and fourth
year of the program the students join the mainstream elective block (for a
number of sessions per week) which offers a wide range of subject choices.
Students in the program can complete the first four years of secondary education in three years, then complete their VCE studies in two years. Most students, however, have chosen to complete a fourth year of the program, in which the students are exposed to an enriched curriculum with 3 VCE subjects. Maths for all Year 10 students is blocked and most students in the program enrol in VCE Advanced General Maths Units 1 & 2. Over the past few years students have had some choice in the other two VCE subjects.
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| Teachers involved in the
program meet regularly to share information about student progress and to
exchange ideas about teaching strategies. For example, a number of
teachers prepared a cross-curricular activity which culminated in a day
trip to Mt.Worth, for the combined Year 7 and Year 8 groups.
The school is always looking for new ways to improve a stimulating educational experience for the students.
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| Travel has been
a major issue for a number of families, both the cost and the access to
convenient public transport. Buses and trains, from both the easterly and
westerly directions, now stop at Trafalgar at appropriate times.
The state Government conducted a Review of School Bus Services in October 2000. Trafalgar High School presented a strong submission to the review panel. This has resulted in a change to busing policy, removing the restriction that students attend their local government school to allow them to attend an Accelerated Learning Program. Conveyance Allowance is now available to all students in the program to cover travel costs to and from school. The selection process includes the following;
For further information please contact: Jane Haustorfer - Principal Phone: 5633 1733 Aniko Kariko - Program Coordinator Fax: 5633 2378 Note: Information nights and selection of students begins in early Term 2.
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