SEAL Program
In 2020 Chaffey Secondary College introduced the Select Entry Accelerated Learning Program (SEAL) for incoming Year 7 students. The SEAL program is an educational opportunity for those children capable of completing a more comprehensive and challenging secondary curriculum.
Chaffey is one of only forty schools to be fully accredited in Victoria and the only school in the Sunraysia region to offer this program for students.
The program caters for students who have above-average academic ability with a high level of commitment to their school work. Students who are suited to this program have great intellectual curiosity; a passion for learning both in and outside of the classroom; are able to working independently and as part of a team; and are excited to take on a challenge.
WHAT IS THE SEAL PROGRAM?
The Academy of Accredited SEAL Schools (TAASS) is a collective of like minded schools who strongly value Gifted Education in Victorian Government secondary schools. SEAL Academy schools offer engaging accelerated programs for their groups of gifted students.
The Accelerated Learning Program allows students to progress through their secondary education faster, by providing challenging learning experiences that are more tailored to the needs of talented learners. Enrichment is provided by broadening content, understanding, experience and skills to a level appropriate to the students’ stages of development. Extension leads to in-depth study and the integration and application of knowledge at a deeper level.
To access the website click on the following link: http://www.sealacademy.org.au/
What Does Acceleration Mean?
The Accelerated Learning Program allows students to progress through their secondary education faster, by providing challenging learning experiences that are more tailored to the needs of talented learners.
There is greater emphasis on higher order thinking and learning skills, independent learning and research. Course content is compacted so that a typical year 7-10 program is covered more quickly than normal without omitting anything. The accelerated program contains less repetition.
Enrichment is provided by broadening content, understanding, experience and skills to a level appropriate to the students’ stages of development. Extension leads to in-depth study and the integration and application of knowledge at a deeper level.
THE CURRICULUM
The SEAL program provides students with the opportunity to work with like-minded peers and provides them with a broader and more flexible learning program in their senior years. Research has shown that students participating in this program achieve higher ATAR scores with many students attributing their success at VCE to the skills they have learnt while in the SEAL program.
Students in the program will participate in an accelerated curriculum in the areas of English, Mathematics, Humanities and Science allowing them to complete four years of learning within three years. Students will also complete studies in the areas of the Arts, Technology, Physical Education and Language. Students in Year 10 will then be offered opportunities to begin a VCE program alongside other Year 10 subjects.
In addition to the program, students are encouraged to participate in the full range of extra-curricular activities offered by the school including interschool sport, Student Representative Council, leadership programs, camps and excursions. As part of the students’ Language studies, an opportunity to participate in overseas study tours may arise at Year 9 or 10.
STUDENTS WHO WOULD SUIT THE SEAL PROGRAM
The SEAL program is designed to provide challenging curriculum to students who are achieving results above the expected level across a range of subject areas.
The qualities required for a student to participate in this program successfully include students who:
· Challenge themselves both academically and personally.
· Are able to work independently
· Are self-motivated and organised.
· Embrace leadership opportunities.
· Have broad general knowledge.
· Are active members of their communities.
Selection Process 2023
The selection process for the SEAL program is designed to identify students for whom this type of program is appropriate. The selection process involves formal testing in the areas of:
· Mathematical skills
· Science reasoning
· Reading
· Comprehension
· Creative writing
We also take into consideration:
· Information from the applicant’s primary school
· Information from the applicant’s parents/guardians
· NAPLAN, On Demand and PAT test results
Key Dates for 2023
Seal Information Evening – Monday 8 August 6:30pm Chaffey SC Theatre
Seal Applications Due – Monday 22 August (Chaffey SC Office)
Seal Testing – Friday 9 September (Chaffey SC Theatre)
2023 Application Form 2023 Seal Application
2023 SEAL Information Brochure CSC SEAL 2023 Brochure
