Overview
Highly capable students have unique cognitive and social emotional needs and Box Hill High School is committed to providing appropriate educational opportunities so that these students can achieve their potential.
The GAPP program is Box Hill High School’s select entry accelerated learning program. The acronym GAPP stands for Gifted Academic Potential Program. Box Hill High School has been offering a SEAL program for gifted and talented students since 1994.
The GAPP program complies with the guidelines that were established for SEAL schools, and BHHS is a member of The Academy of Accredited SEAL Schools (TAASS).
BHHS teachers receive professional development in the education of gifted and talented students and many of our teachers have tertiary qualifications in gifted education.
We employ a High Ability Learning Specialist, who works with teachers of GAPP and mainstream classes to ensure all students have opportunities for extension and enhancement.
GAPP Program Rationale
- The program is directed to students who are capable of outstanding academic achievement.
- Research and experience suggests that it is difficult to provide adequate extension and enrichment in the regular classroom.
- The program provides enrichment and extension material involving higher cognitive processes such as generalising, comprehending, dealing with abstractions and recognising relationships.
- Evidence-based learning strategies are used to create challenging, engaging and accelerated instruction which builds student agency and encourages them to work more independently.
Entrance into the GAPP Program – Year 7
Students must first be offered a place at the school via the Year 6-7 Application Form process. There are two stages of the selection process for the Year 7 GAPP program:
- Academic potential test – covers Mathematical Reasoning, Reading Comprehension, Abstract Reading and Written Expression. Each test is designed to test ability rather than existing knowledge.
The test is undertaken onsite on a Saturday morning in August at Box Hill High School. Bookings can be made on the school website from July. After the results determine ranking, short-listed students are invited in for an interview along with their parent/ guardian. Places are only offered to students who meet the enrolment requirements for being in the school zone.Individual student results are not provided to parents following the test.
- An Interview. The purpose of the interview is to identify the academic gifts of students that may be masked by other learning difficulties. The interviews might also provide a point of difference when it is difficult to separate two or more students on their testing scores.
Entrance into the GAPP Program – Year 9
Students may be permitted to enter the GAPP program at the end of Year 8 depending on available places and student levels of achievement and motivation. Students can be registered for an onsite test which will take place in Term 4. Offers are made based on academic data and teacher recommendations. Each student will be considered on a case-by-case basis. The Principal has the final say regarding whether students may join the program.
Structure of the GAPP program
We have specifically designed this program to run for the full six years of secondary schooling. However, the pathway for each student in the program becomes highly individualised in the senior years based on readiness and interests.
Continued high 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.
Enrolment Enquiry
If you’re interested in enrolling your child at Box Hill High School, please complete the form. A member of our enrolment team will be in touch with you shortly to provide further information and next steps.
Enrolment Enquiry Form
GAPP Pathways and Curriculum
Students in GAPP classes will undertake a modified and accelerated program based on their academic and social emotional needs. The program condenses four years of learning into three, thereby allowing students more opportunities for an individualised program in year 10 and VCE.
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GAPP Level 1 – Year 7 students
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- Parallel select entry classes working at Year 7/8 curriculum level (Math, English, Science, Humanities)
- One semester Chinese, one semester German
- Health and Physical Education; RESPECT wellbeing Class
- Other semester ‘electives’: Art/Food tech/IT/Music
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GAPP Level 2 – Year 8 students
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- Parallel select entry classes working at Year 9 curriculum level (Math, English, Science, Humanities)
- One semester Chinese, one semester German
- Health and Physical Education; RESPECT Wellbeing Class
- Other semester electives: VCD/Food tech/Coding/Music/Drama
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GAPP Level 3 - Year 9 students
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- Parallel select entry classes working at Year 10 curriculum level (Math, English, Science, Humanities)
- Health and Physical Education; RESPECT wellbeing class
- Year 9 Elective program
VCE Pathways for Year 10 GAPP Students
At the end of Year 9, GAPP students will be provided with guidance regarding which subjects to take during year 10. Depending on their readiness and academic performance to date, students will have the opportunity to take a range of Unit 1 and 2 subjects in addition to the 10 GAPP English subject and optional Year 10 Elective subjects. Students can also undertake a VET course during Year 10.
Sample subject planners for those entering 10 GAPP
| Semester 1 (A) | Semester 2 (A) | Semester 1 (B) | Semester 2 (B) |
|---|---|---|---|
| 10 GAPP English | 10 GAPP English | 10 GAPP English | 10 GAPP English |
| Units 1/2 Maths Method | Units 1/2 Maths Method | Units 1/2 General Maths | Units 1/2 General Maths |
| Units 1/2 Biology | Units 1/2 Biology | Units 1/2 Physics | Units 1/2 Physics |
| Units 1/2 Psychology | Units 1/2 Psychology | Units 1/2 Business Management | Units 1/2 Business Management |
| AI Software | Art in Practice | Architecture | Literature |
| Youth Health | Media | Advanced Applied Science | Drama |
| Duke of Edinburgh program | Duke of Edinburgh program | VET subject | VET subject |
Parents will be given advice at the VCE Parent Information Evening, and they are also invited to discuss any matters with the Year 9 Coordinator, the GAPP Coordinator or the Assistant Principal. Students are not grouped in GAPP classes at VCE level. At VCE level all classes will have a mixture of GAPP and mainstream students.
External Programs
GAPP students have access to a range of programs to provide them with opportunities for extension and enrichment.
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Emerging Sciences Victoria (ESV)
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The ESV program is operated by the John Monash Science School. ESV makes it possible for Year 9 and 10 students in Victoria to access specialised STEM subjects through a virtual classroom. Students collaborate online using shared documents and use video cameras and headsets to interact with classmates and teachers. Subjects which are currently offered by ESV include Neuroscience, Biotechnology, Medical Physics, Astrophysics and others. The subjects are semester based and there are two lessons per week. Students are expected to catch up on work missed from their regular classes if they choose to participate in this program.
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The Centre for Higher Education Studies (CHES)
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CHES is a new centre of excellence designed to further improve educational outcomes for high-achieving and high-ability students across Victoria. CHES provides accelerated programs for senior students from government secondary schools. To provide a solid foundation for future study of VCE Algorithmics and VCE Extended Investigation, CHES offers specialised electives for high-achieving Year 10 students. CHES also facilitates a Higher Education Studies program which allows students to undertake a first-year university subject while they are still at high school.
Ad Altiora Certamus "we strive for higher things"
The school’s motto suggests that the future of Box Hill High School is exciting. Our school is constantly evolving, valuing the rich traditions of the past and embracing the challenges of the future.