By Callum Ludwig
The next pair in the long line of high-achieving Wesburn Primary School students are putting their school smarts to the test and taking on the Victorian High-Ability Program.
Grade 6 students Lucy and Syd are working towards the 10-week Literacy and Numeracy masterclasses respectively, with Syd having done the Literacy one last year as well.
Wesburn Primary School Principal Anne Stenhouse said several of their students have participated in both the Literacy and Numeracy programs over the past few years.
“All of them have made 10-week commitments, including giving up some of their recess and lunchtimes, to participate,” she said.,
“We are extremely proud of their attitudes and achievements in learning and challenging themselves further. The school will continue to encourage students to reach their full potential through this and other programs.”
The Victorian High-Ability Program is delivered virtually by Virtual School Victoria, before students come together with other local high-achieving students in the face-to-face masterclass.
Syd said he thinks it is great for students who might feel bored at school and would like to meet new people with similar interests and hobbies.
“I can learn faster in subjects that I am further ahead in than everyone else and get to go to a higher standard of learning that lets me learn a lot faster,” he said.
“ I have done it twice now and would like to pursue soccer and relax in high school until university when I will start to get serious again.”
Teacher judgement data of where a student is at compared to their peers and high NAPLAN scores help decide the students who have the opportunity to participate in the program
Lucy said in her class, they brainstorm stories and share their ideas (and have a laugh over humorous story ideas) so they can work together to think outside the box.
“It gives me the opportunity to grow quicker and do the things I love, like write, and share my ideas with other students my age and my level, it encourages students to keep trying and to aim for your goals,” she said.
“Being challenged by work that isn’t taught in class, learning at my level and sharing my abilities makes me more confident with my learning.”
