SEAL/Accelerated Learning Programs

Expressions of interest

Expressions of interest are now open and will close on the 5 August at 4PM.

To register your interest please click here.

SUMMARY OF IMPORTANT DATES

Expression of Interest Opens:                                                     Thursday, 18th April 2024

Registration Opens:                                                                        Thursday, 18th July 2024

Registrations Close:                                                                        Friday, 16th August 2024

Higher Ability Selection Testing:                                                 Friday, 30th August 2024

Advice to Parents on Results of Selection Process:               Monday, 14th October 2024

Select Entry (SEAL) and Accelerated Learning:

THE SELECTION PROCESS

Students whose families wish them to be considered for entry into an Accelerated Learning Program will be required to participate in the selection process. This is open to all students who have been offered and accepted a placement at Mill Park Secondary College through the normal enrolment process.

  1. Higher Ability Selection Testing

The Higher Ability Selection Test (HAST) is an ability test designed to measure innate ability and academic potential.

To register for the HAST ensure the expression of interest on the website is completed.

An application package will be emailed once registration opens to families that have selected Mill Park Secondary College as their first choice. The Registration Form must be returned with the $95 registration fee to the Middle Years Campus General Office no later than Friday, 16th August 2024 in order to be eligible to sit the test. Registered students will complete the test on Friday, 30th of August 2024 from 9:00 am to 12:00 pm on the Middle Years Campus. They must report to the Middle Years Campus General Office by 8:45 am.

  1. Referral Forms

Referral forms are to be completed by the candidate’s Year 6 teacher and parents. Teacher Referral Form will be emailed to the candidate’s primary school directly from the college using the email provided to us on the registration forms. The Parent Referral Form and Student Interest Form will be provided in the application package and must be returned to the Middle Years Campus General Office by Friday, 16th of August 2024 with the registration form and testing fee.

  1. Shortlisting

Students whose referral forms and test results indicate that they are suitable for an Accelerated Learning Program may be invited, with their parents, for an interview. Final decisions will consider all available information, and candidates will be advised of the outcome by mid October 2024.

For more information throughout the process please refer to the College website www.millparksc.vic.edu.au

SEAL Program

Mill Park Secondary College is an accredited provider of Select Entry Accelerated Learning (SEAL) programs for gifted and high ability students. Students are selected for this program prior to commencing Year 7 and participate in an accelerated program from Years 7 to 10 that recognises their high potential as learners.  SEAL students progress through year level subject content at an accelerated pace, allowing for additional time to be spent on mastery of skills, deepening of thinking through inquiry projects and enrichment activities that expose students to real-world problems.

Working in a setting with like-minded peers and skilled teachers, SEAL students are expected to demonstrate commitment to their learning beyond the classroom. Students are encouraged to participate in student leadership activities as well as extra-curricular programs that suit their interests (including sport, public speaking, and community engagement).

SEAL students are expected to undertake a minimum of one early start VCE subject in Year 10, with many students undertaking two. This provides students the opportunity to develop core study skills and habits and participate in a wider variety of VCE subjects by the time they complete Year 12.

Students that are enrolled in Year 7 for 2025 can apply to sit the SEAL entrance testing in Term 3, 2024. When opportunities for high-ability current Year 7 and 8 students to transition into the SEAL program arise they will be communicated with students and families.

Accelerated English Program

Mill Park Secondary College offers an Accelerated English Program to a selected group of students commencing at Year 7. The Accelerated English program will mirror the SEAL English subject in terms of its text selection and degree of rigour. Students will study advanced texts and be exposed to a higher range of literary skills and techniques. In Year 10, Accelerated English students will participate in a hybrid course that prepares students for success in all three VCE English streams – English, English Language, and English Literature – with students encouraged to complete two VCE English subjects.

Accelerated Science Program

Mill Park Secondary College offers an Accelerated Science Program to a selected group of students commencing at Year 7. The Accelerated Science Program supports students to develop an understanding of important scientific concepts and processes in the Biological, Chemical, Physical, Earth, and Space Sciences. The Acceleration Science program is designed for students with above level Mathematical skills as well as a clear interest in Science and Technology. Accelerated Science students progress through the year level curriculum at a faster pace, allowing for deepening of scientific thinking through enquiry projects, scientific investigations, real- world application tasks. In Year 10, students will study an Accelerated Science subject incorporating Laboratory Skills and VCE Science preparation and are encouraged to accelerate into an early start VCE or VET science subject.