Here at E.P.S, we are proud to offer a comprehensive High-Ability Program. Teachers use ongoing observations and a range of assessment techniques to identify high-ability students in all year levels. Our High-Ability Program is designed to support and extend our high-ability students in a range of curriculum areas. 

This is achieved through a 3 layered approach:

  • Differentiated classroom programs 
  • VCES -The Victorian Challenge and Enrichment Series Program
  • VHAP -The Victorian High-Ability Program

Classroom teachers differentiate learning within all of our classrooms at E.P.S. Teachers work in grade level teams to analyse data results and discuss the ongoing classroom observations of student abilities and individual needs. Together, teaching teams collaborate to create learning opportunities and activities for all needs, including extension for our high-ability learners. 

The Victorian Challenge and Enrichment Series Program

VCES is part of the government funded Student Excellence Program where high-ability students in all year levels are invited to participate in high-quality, funded extension activities across all areas of the curriculum, according to their abilities and interests. VCES opportunities include one off online or face-to-face lessons or workshop series. These are provided through more than 20 expert education and not-for-profit organisations, universities, tech schools, teacher associations, and science and mathematics specialist centres to deliver activities within the series.

The Victorian High-Ability Program

VHAP is also part of the government funded Student Excellence Program. It provides high-ability students in Years 5 and 6 the opportunity to participate in 10-week online extension and enrichment programs in English and Mathematics. The virtual program, delivered by Virtual School Victoria, focuses on extending and developing students’ Mathematical and English abilities.

Luckily, here at Emerald Primary our High-Ability Program continued to operate during extended lockdowns and remote learning over 2020 and 2021, with many students participating in specific online high-ability lessons in many curriculum areas, with classroom teachers and as part of the VCES and VHAP programs. 

From the start of 2022, students isolating at home for many different reasons have been able to continue to be part of our high-ability programs, if they have been well enough to. We continue to offer this opportunity to our high-ability students.