Selective School
Grafton High School – A Selective School
Grafton High School has the distinct honour of being the only Selective High School in the Coffs Harbour/Clarence Region. 2010 has seen our first intake for the selective stream, with a dedicated group of sixteen students drawn mainly from the local area feeder schools. This is an exciting initiative, and adds to the already diverse and talented student body at Grafton High. Placement We are able to offer a limited number of places in Year 7 to students who have sat and passed the State Secondary Schools Selective Test. Entry is determined predominantly by this test, which is sat while students are in Year 6. A number of other criteria may be employed to determine entry, at the discretion of the Department of Education. Following the initial intake in 2010, Grafton High will enrol a new selective class each year, so that by 2015 there will be a selective cohort within each year. Is there a difference between selective education and other programmes? We aim to provide a diverse and challenging curriculum to all students in all stages. As part of the Gold Classes initiative, Grafton High has an established tradition of delivering challenging programs for students seeking enrichment. Students in the selective stream receive targeted education programs which are drawn from the principles set out in the DET Gifted and Talented Policy. These are delivered as dedicated classes within core subjects, and as extension modules within elective subjects. While the broad parameters of curriculum established by the Board of Studies are adhered to, these are differentiated according to best available research and practice. Curriculum Differentiation Differentiation or modification of the curriculum caters for differences between gifted students and age peers. Gifted students need differentiation because they:
• learn at faster rates • find, solve and act on problems more readily • manipulate abstract ideas and make connections to an advanced degree.
To encourage high achievement, originality, problem-solving, higher-order thinking skills and creativity, teachers will consider the individual needs of the gifted and talented students in their classes. Teachers will assess students' knowledge and skills to provide challenges and learning options appropriate for their development.
How does Grafton High School support its Selective Classes? 1. Executive Staff All executive staff at Grafton High School have undertaken specific training in Leadership For Change for Gifted and Talented Students which was delivered by the NSW Department of Education Selective Schools Unit. In addition our Head Teachers are part of the Selective Schools Curriculum network which provides ideas and resources to support the delivery of curriculum. 2. Teachers Grafton High School teachers involved in the selective classes have received training opportunities develop by the DET's Gifted and Talented Unit. These opportunities have focused heavily on developing units of work which provide students with the level of curriculum appropriate to their gifts and talents. Such training opportunities are ongoing, and will be incorporated into whole school professional development in coming years. 3. Resources The school has invested heavily in resources for the education of the selective stream and is supported by resources developed by the Selective Schools Unit that exists within the Department of Education Curriculum Directorate. There is therefore a significant external support for the teachers and students in the school.
How do I apply? |
The following link will give you information about Selective Schools and how to apply: |
