Braybrook resident Rosanna Trinh has been chosen to take part in the Accelerated Learning Program at St Aloysius College. 77252 Picture: JOE MASTROIANNI
BY NATALIE GALLENTI
A group of youngsters from Brimbank have been selected to participate in a program for gifted students.
The Accelerated Learning Program was launched by St Aloysius College in North Melbourne earlier this year, and offers a select group of Year 7 students a chance to work at a level which will better suit their skills.
Braybrook resident Rosanna Trinh was among 20 students, many from Sunshine, to be selected for the program out of almost 50 applicants, and the keen learner said she looked forward to the challenges the program would offer.
The former Our Lady’s Primary School student, who had to undergo a test and interview before she was accepted into the program, admitted to being nervous before she received the acceptance letter.
“I was really happy when I was accepted, and my parents were so proud,” the 12-year-old said.
“It’s a really good program, and it will give me lots of opportunities.”
Principal John Davidson said the school decided to offer the program to allow students who were deemed gifted in particular areas the chance to reach their full capacity.
Mr Davidson said the small group would work together in English, science, maths and humanities, and would remain with their Year 7 peers for all other subjects.
He said participants were selected after rigorous testing and recommendations from their primary schools, and it is hoped that within two years the students would be at a Year 9 level.
“We hope to challenge these students and keep them engaged in classwork,” Mr Davidson said.
“We want all of our students to reach their full potential.”
However, he was quick to point out that other students would not be disadvantaged by the program and would be allowed to work at a pace appropriate to them.
The school is calling on students from across Melbourne’s West that may be interested in participating in the program in 2013 to attend a meeting at the college this Thursday, 23 February from 7.30pm. Anyone interested in attending, should contact Kim Sue Hendry on 9329 0411.
