Extension and Learning Support

The opportunity for extension and support at Ringwood Secondary College is a dynamic feature of the teaching and learning program. Teacher flexibility and expertise allow for a rich program throughout the year.

ACE Program

ACE – Achievement, Commitment, Excellence – A program for high ability students.

The College ACE program for high achieving students is offered to students in Year 7 – 9. 

The aim of the program is to engage and challenge high ability students to reach their full intellectual, social and emotional potential in an enriched educational program. It is offered to Year 7 – 9 students who demonstrate academic skills above those of their peer group, are self-directed and strongly motivated to achieve academically.

  • Accelerates the pace of learning in core subjects and add a broader range of enriching experiences
  • Aligns to the Deep Learning educational model and focus on development of the six key competencies: creativity, character, citizenship, collaboration, communication and critical thinking Incorporate higher order thinking, problem solving and reflection as an integral process in student learning
  • Encourages and supports a quick progression to skill mastery
  • Makes provision for research and in-depth study
  • Includes provision for the continuation of appropriate EAL (English as an Additional Language) support where required
  • Students in the Year 7 ACE class undertake an enriched and rigorous curriculum for the core subjects of English, Mathematics, Science and Humanities (History, Geography and Economics). The language offered for ACE students is French. However, students are encouraged to undertake their language studies for three years. For other subjects, students will participate in mainstream, mixed-ability classes.

Beyond Year 7

The ACE class progresses into Years 8 and 9, where students continue to participate in a rigorous and challenging curriculum in their core subjects. In Year 9, students will also select elective studies as part of their program. In Year 10, students will have the opportunity to undertake one or two VCE subjects (Units 1 and 2). This will allow them to study one or two Year 12 studies (Units 3 and 4) in Year 11 and provide them with the opportunity to study a University Enhancement Study in Year 12.

Application to the Program

Only those students who have been offered a position in Year 7 are eligible to apply for this program.

Selection of students for the ACE program will be based on Selection Tests, along with results from Edutest and NAPLAN. The achievement tests are designed to measure actual achievement or performance in key academic areas. The tests consist of four components: reading comprehension, mathematical reasoning, abstract reasoning and written expression.

Selection to the Program will be based on:

  • Overall results of the selection tests
  • Interviews of shortlisted applicants
  • Portfolio of student’s work
  • ACE Application Form
  • For more details on the ACE program, please contact Mrs Annette Niven on 9870 2002.

Extension/Enrichment

Students are extended in their learning areas by their teachers through accelerated work and activities, interactive and integrated projects and are offered opportunities to participate in extension activities including: 

  • Art and Design competitions
  • Authentic LOTE experiences
  • Maths Enrichment challenge
  • Maths competition
  • Interschool Debating
  • Poetry Corner
  • Problem solving projects eg Forensic Science
  • Science competition
  • Tournament of Minds
  • da Vinci Decathlon
  • Writing competitions
  • Support Programs

Students are identified as needing support through a variety of ways including: 

  • The Year 7 intake test
  • On-Demand testing
  • NAPLAN data
  • Semester Reports
  • Teacher referrals and feedback
  • Transition information

Literacy and numeracy support classes are small and teacher/student interactions are high.

A small number of staff work one-on-one or in very small groups to teach students with significant literacy needs.

Strive

Program Outline:

Strive is a dedicated student support program, at Year 10, that targets students with difficulties across a number of areas.

Entry into the Strive Program is by invitation only, based on a number of considerations, including academic testing data, consultation with classroom teachers, literacy/numeracy support staff, coordinators and a willingness to engage in the program.

Aims of Strive:
Curriculum Support:

  • Targeted support at point of need for each student
  • Extra support and time to complete tasks
  • Communicating and advocating student need

Capacity Building:

  • Organisation skills
  • Self-motivation
  • Communication skills
  • Building confidence