Supporting High-Ability Students

Policy

This policy outlines arrangements for supporting high-ability students in government schools, including implementation of the Student Excellence Program.

Summary

• Government schools work to enhance the educational opportunities of all students, including high-ability students.
• The Victorian Teaching and Learning Model 2.0 outlines the importance of including a planned approach to learning extension for high-ability students as part of a school’s documented whole-school curriculum plan.
• All schools receiving funding through the Student Excellence Program must appoint a high-ability practice leader (HAPL) to lead the school’s support for high-ability students.
• High-ability students should be supported to access the department’s range of extension and enrichment opportunities, including the Victorian High-Ability Program, the Victorian Challenge and Enrichment Series, and programs offered by the Centre for Higher Education Studies. Information on these programs is available in the Guidance tab.
• Each year the Victorian Education Excellence Awards recognises schools with an outstanding approach to supporting high-ability students.

Details

‘High-ability’ is defined as having advanced learning capability and potential compared to same-age peers in one or more domains of learning.

Within their approach to supporting high-ability students, schools are encouraged to:

• access guidance and professional learning for school leaders and classroom teachers in supporting high-ability students (refer to the Resources tab)
• have a structured approach to identifying high-ability students
• develop an Individual Education Plan (IEP) for high-ability students, if required
• facilitate high-ability students’ access to enrichment and extension programs and supports, either within or external to the school.

As part of the Student Excellence Program, all funded schools must appoint a high-ability practice leader and facilitate access to the:

• Victorian High Ability Program
• Victorian Challenge and Enrichment Series.

Schools are also encouraged to facilitate access to other programs for high-ability students such as those offered by:

• Centre for Higher Education Studies (CHES)
• Koorie Academy of Excellence
• Science and mathematics specialist centres
• Victorian State Schools Spectacular
• School Sport Victoria Competition Pathway (PDF)
• National and international competitions.

For further information on the Student Excellence Program, refer to Student Excellence Program.

There are a range of schools and settings targeted to high-ability students. For more information, refer to Schools and settings targeted to high-ability students.

Each year the Victorian Education Excellence Awards recognises one primary and one secondary school with an outstanding approach to supporting high-ability students. The winning schools each receive a grant of up to $25,000 to further support their programs for high-ability students. For further information, please visit the Victorian Education Excellence Awards.

Related policies

• Enrolment
• Individual Education Plans (IEPS)
• Specialism Schools and Programs
• Student Resource Package – Targeted Initiatives (Student Excellence Program)
• Victorian Teaching and Learning Model 2.0

Contact

For general queries regarding support for high-ability students, including the Student Excellence Program and selective entry high school admissions, contact: student.excellence@education.vic.gov.au

For queries regarding funding under the Student Excellence Program, contact Schools Financial Management Support: schools.finance.support@education.vic.gov.au