Select Entry Accelerated Learning (SEAL) Program
Box Hill High School has one of the largest programs for gifted and talented students in the state. SEAL students spend 3 years in a selective class, and may take either five or six years in total to complete their high school education. Students are selected for the program during Grade 6, and many travel large distances to attend the school.
The central aim of the program is to provide educational experiences of an appropriate type and quality for that group of students identified through the selection processes as having exceptional academic ability. These students are capable of high academic performance and will benefit from an accelerated and enriched learning program.
The Box Hill High School SEAL program is endorsed by the Department of Education and Early Childhood Development, and complies with the guidelines for SEAL programs. About half of our students are part of our SEAL program.
Box Hill High School consistently ranks in the top ten of government schools in VCE results, and is frequently recommended to parents of gifted children for the quality of its programs.
Statement of Aims
The central aim of the SEAL program is to provide educational experiences of an appropriate type and quality for that group of children identified through the selection procedures as having exceptional academic ability. These students are capable of high academic performance and will benefit from an accelerated and enriched learning program.
Rationale
- The program is directed to students who are capable of outstanding academic achievement.
- Students in the program may take either five years or six years to complete their secondary education.
- The program also provides enrichment and extension material involving higher cognitive processes such as generalising, comprehending, dealing with abstractions and recognising relationships.
- A greater emphasis on learning methods involving independent learning and wide research is used. Students are to be encouraged to work more independently.
- Research evidence and experience suggests that it is difficult to provide adequate extension and enrichment in the regular classroom.
Structure of the Program
Students remain as a form for all "core" subjects but are integrated with the other students for studies which are blocked on the timetable, such as Art and Music. Students may be able to take some Victorian Certificate of Education (VCE) units in their third year of the program.
A fourth year of an extended and challenging nature, with some VCE units included, is also offered within the program. The A.C.E. challenge program is available only to students undertaking full Year 10 or no more than two VCE studies.
Various pathways are open to students in the latter part of the program. At the end of the third year, these pathways include a fourth year of an accelerated/extended nature, a partial Year 10 and partial VCE, and full VCE. Students who proceed to a full VCE in the fourth year may also choose to study extra units at VCE level and to complete an extended VCE taken over three years rather than the usual two.
Pathways at this stage of the program will be determined by performance, teacher recommendations and parent/student wishes. Success in either the five year or the six year program depends on both ability and commitment.
Note: Continued good academic performance is necessary for students to remain in the program. The school reserves the right to place students in more appropriate settings if academic performance in the program is not satisfactory.
Application for SEAL
To express interest in the SEAL program, download the form below:
> Year 7 SEAL 2011 Application Form (.pdf)
Send the completed form to:
SEAL Applications
Box Hill High School
Whitehorse Road
Box Hill. VIC 3128
Resources
A Gifted Students Parent Support Group run by Ms. Vanessa Reynolds meets one evening per term to clarify and explore specific needs. She is also available for discussion and advice about the SEAL program at other times.
Department of Education and Early Childhood Development information on Gifted Education may be found at http://www.education.vic.gov.au/studentlearning/programs/gifted
Gifted Resources Centre is a non-profit organisation offering advice to parents, and others, on the needs of gifted children. Contact The Centre for the Exceptional Learner, PO Box 4176 Croydon Hills, Victoria 3136. email: jo@giftedresources.org
