Eumemmerring Secondary College will offer a Select-Entry Accelerated Learning (SEAL) program from next year. Back: Nathan Burke, Emma Kerr, Erin Ludwick, Harley Natis, Brandon Longley and Chaminda de Mel. Front: Joy Liu, Richard Brown, Jeremy Yuen, Eugene De Pina and David Murden with college principal Brian Burgess.
By Rebecca Fraser
GIFTED Eumemmerring Secondary College students will be placed in accelerated learning classes from next year.
The move comes after the college was chosen as one of eight Victorian schools to become a Select-Entry Accelerated Learning (SEAL) school for 2007.
SEAL schools, as they are known, usually enrol one year 7 class of up to 26 students each year, selected on the basis of tests, interviews and grade six reports.
These children tackle a different curriculum from other classes in their year level and begin VCE studies earlier than other students.
Eumemmerring College Principal Brian Burgess said being selected recognised that the school had the quality of program, community support and experience to deliver the SEAL program.
“Eumemmerring College has been running a High Achievers program on each campus for several years. The curriculum developed and the experience gained by teachers delivering this program, will provide a sound foundation for the introduction of SEAL at the College,” he said.
The SEAL program is offered to students assessed as being of high intellectual potential. It recognises that some students would benefit from an accelerated program and that they are capable of commencing their VCE studies in Year 10.
The Department of Education estimates that the top five to 10 per cent of students would benefit from the SEAL program and as Eumemmerring College had a large intake of Year 7 students they will be able to form one or more SEAL classes.
“The College is committed to providing the programs to challenge and extend all students,” Mr Burgess said.
“We are pleased to be able to offer a program that is endorsed by the Government and the Education Department as being appropriate for high intellectual potential students.”
Mr Burgess said the High Achievers program would continue to operate and complement the SEAL program.
