These academically able students pursue programmes designed to extend their abilities and challenge them to reach, and maintain, their best results.
Where practicable, the timetable structure has aligned the top three boys' and top two girls' classes across both Year 9 and 10, to allow greater flexibility for individual students to work to their strengths in their core subjects. This means these classes have English and Mathematics at the same time and, if necessary, the classes can be remixed to fine-tune the streaming for each. This allows students to work to their individual strengths in both subjects and not their average across the two. .In summary, the number of extension programmes followed by some of our more able students can vary between 1 and 4 subjects - so are definitely not one size fits all. Then, on top of this, the nature of the extension offered in the four core subjects also varies.
English offers multi-level programmes, introducing internal assessments at Years 9 and 10. Those students who achieve Merit or Excellence grades have their results submitted for their NCEA records. Then, through Years 11 and 12, the students complete a mix of Level 1, Level 2 and Level 3 internal and external assessments and, in Year 13, accelerate students focus on external assessment success, aiming to sit scholarship.
Science offers a condensed Year 9 programme with the most able invited to sit Level 1 Science standards at the end of Year 10. This prepares these students well to progress to the three specialist disciplines - biology, chemistry and physics - with accelerate specialist programmes offered at both Years 11 and 12.
In Mathematics two programmes are offered - 'accelerate' and 'super-accelerate'. The most mathematically talented are invited to sit Level 1 NCEA at the end of Year 10 and the 'super-accelerate' at the end of Year 9. This means students are able to specialise sooner rather than later, choosing calculus and statistics, and/or opting for scholarship.
This year Social Studies has also come on board, specifically developing Years 9 and 10 enrichment programmes tailored to these students.
It must be emphasised that the most able are invited to sit Level 1 NCEA as opposed to automatically being entered. While these students are recognised as able, it is important that they be given the opportunity to achieve their best.
The following comments offer some insight into the classroom experiences of some of these students:
Being in this class is a great achievement. I'm proud of myself. Boosting my self-esteem and discovering my hidden talents is what this class is about. I never used to enjoy my learning as much as I do now.
Zoe, 9HSN
Before MAGS, maths was like an alien language, but because I've been put into the right class, maths is no longer a subject that holds me back.
Anonymous,9THN
It is a good challenge .... hard but rewarding to see what comes out of our work and effort.
Anonymous, 9HSN
...very challenging but .. it keeps everybody excited and on their toes.
Conner McBeath, 9THN
....Rather than just doing work you know, we have challenges that really train your mind.
Anonymous, 9HSN
A lot more challenging than I'm used to .... learning a lot and finding school more interesting.
Anonymous, 9THN
The accelerate maths is hard but I enjoy constantly learning new things and figuring things out.
Anonymous, 9HSN
My peers are constantly pushing me to be at my best and teaching me to be more confident...
Anonymous, 9HSN
Everyday is a challenge but ....it gives me self satisfaction & pride because I know I've worked hard and it's paid off.
Anonymous, 9HSN
Comments from Year 10 students reflect a level of confidence that is developing from the students facing and overcoming the challenges of extension study.
I have found the Maths extension really useful, fun & exciting...... helps me to perform at my best and allows me to work at a higher level and succeed.
Matthew Denton, 10SNG
Quite challenging, but worthwhile in the end. The more challenging the more rewarding ... Science - difficult but I have managed to overcome most of the barriers.
Anonymous, 10WLS
.... accelerate programme challenging, although the challenge is helping me strive for higher marks...
Anonymous, 10WLS
These students obviously enjoy their classroom experiences and are focused on their own achievement.
Jo Williams