Challenge Program

Cypress Avenue
Lower Templestowe 3107. Victoria.

Tel. (03) 9850 6333
Fax (03) 9852 0728

Principal:
Mr. David Tyson

Overseas Student Provider Code: 00861K

A Victorian State Secondary College.

The “Challenge Program” at Years 7, 8 and 9 was established at Templestowe College to engage and challenge students who not only demonstrate high ability but who have enthusiasm and interest in their learning. The program is an enrichment strategy that motivates and extends able students.

Students apply for and sit a series of entrance tests in numeracy, literacy and general achievement. Additional information is often sought from parents and primary schools regarding the student’s suitability for the program and whether they would find it beneficial. Students are given the opportunity to apply and sit for the entrance tests each September.

Students accepted into the program are grouped into “Challenge Classes” that differ only from other classes in the design of each subject’s curriculum and the way in which they are taught. As motivated and often innovative learners, students in the “Challenge Classes” particularly benefit from strategies that allow students to exercise greater responsibility for their learning.

Teachers recognise that using a range of teaching strategies and taking into account a variety of thinking skills and learning styles is the best way to assist capable students. Strategies used include open-ended research, negotiated curriculum, guided discovery learning, collaborative projects and innovative use of technology. Students are required to undertake a study of Instrumental Music. In addition they are expected to enter a range of state and national subject competitions to encourage them to set themselves high academic goals and to evaluate their progress.

Further information on the “Challenge” and other programs can be obtained from Mr Andrew Minko, Junior School Principal or Ms Julia O’Callaghan, Junior School Manager.