SEAL Program
In 2020, Chaffey Secondary College introduced the Select Entry Accelerated Learning (SEAL) program 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 in Victoria which is fully accredited to provide the SEAL program and is the only school in the Sunraysia region offering this opportunity for students.
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 identified groups of high ability students.
The SEAL program provides students with the opportunity to work with like-minded peers in the middle years of schooling 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 and beyond to the skills they have learned as part of the SEAL program.
To access further information, go to: 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 a challenging curriculum to students who are achieving results above the expected level across a range of subject areas. To participate successfully in this program, students must also be those who:
• enjoy challenging themselves both academically and
personally;
• can work independently;
• are self-motivated and organised;
• embrace leadership opportunities;
• have broad general knowledge; and
• are active members of their communities.
Selection Process 2025
The selection process for the SEAL program is designed to assist the College in identifying students for whom this type of program is appropriate.
The selection process involves formal testing in the areas of:
• Mathematics;
• Abstract Reasoning;
• Reading; and
• Writing.
We also take into consideration:
• information from the applicant’s primary school including
NAPLAN, On Demand and PAT test results.
• information from the applicant’s parents/guardians.
• a formal interview.
Key Dates for 2025
2025 SEAL Parent Information Night
Term 3 Week 5
Tuesday 13 August 2024 – 6:30pm Chaffey SC Theatre
Term 3 Week 9
Friday 13 September 2024 by 4pm
2025 SEAL Applications due to Chaffey Secondary College (including primary school, parent and student application information)
Term 4 Week 1
Wednesday 9 October 2024
SEAL applicants shortlisted and families provided with information about testing
Term 4 Week 3
Friday 25 October 2024
Edutest registrations close for shortlisted SEAL applicants
Term 4 Week 4
Friday 1 November 2024
SEAL testing for registered applicants 8:45am – 1pm at Chaffey SC
Term 4 Week 9
Monday 2 December 2024
Parents/guardians will be advised of the outcome of their child’s SEAL application
Term 4 Week 10
Tuesday 10 December 2024
Orientation Day for all Year 6 students at Chaffey SC
2025 Application Form 2025 Seal Application