Do most or all of these characteristics fit your child?

· Reaches development milestones early?

· Has a good memory?

· Reads avidly?

· Enjoys solving problems?

· Connects unrelated ideas in a creative way?

· Shows curiosity and intense interest in particular areas of knowledge?

· Displays a fascination with words?

· Develops strong moral convictions?

· Learns new things rapidly?

· Seeks guidance from respected adults?

If some or all of these characteristics fit your child, he or she could benefit from placement in our extension class. Students of this calibre need to learn with children who are like them, so that their special qualities can be explored and turned into achievement in learning.

Ability Grouping

The extension class in Year 7 will stay together for all their academic subjects. In Years 8 to 10, all high performing students are grouped separately for core curriculum areas: English/Humanities, Mathematics and Science. These groupings are based on performance in those subjects. Advanced and extension courses, along with graded classes in English and Mathematics will cater for high performing students in Years 11 and 12.

Some quotes from Year 7 extension class students;

The teachers are kind and friendly, helpful and supportive. They expect you to succeed.

I liked making new friends by working together in classes and having interactive activities and excursions.

You have responsibility and choice at Port Hacking.

It is very well organised and the older students look after you.

I learn new things every day.

Teachers have high expectations and my skills have grown.

These quotes reflect the ideal learning environment in which a talented child can thrive!


PORT HACKING HIGH SCHOOL

Ardentibus nil Ardui

Extension Class

for

Academically Talented Students

Year 7 – 2016

Applications close MIDDAY:

Friday 13th February 2015

Test will be administered on:

Tuesday 17th March 2015

What does Port Hacking High School offer your child?

¶ A specialised Extension Class for academically talented students who wish to excel.

¶ Teachers trained in Gifted and Talented education strategies.

¶ Teachers who are committed to excellence in learning.

¶ A consistent record of adding enormous value to student learning at the HSC.

¶ A school culture in which achievement in all areas is celebrated and rewarded, and where differences in students’ personality, outlook and learning styles are respected and nurtured.

¶ A proud school reputation, based on success in academic studies, performing arts and sport.

¶ A focus on producing well rounded young men and women.

Teaching Staff

Surveys of our Year 12 students and also our Year 7 students and their parents show that the most valued feature of Port Hacking High School is the quality of the teaching staff. The quality of relationships between teachers and students and the commitment of the teachers to their students’ success are the basis of Port Hacking High School’s status in the community.

The School’s Goals;

Our teachers are committed to our school motto “Ardentibus nil Ardui” – to strive is to achieve. We believe in the value of student self respect, pride and effort, and above all, a passion for learning.

Year 7 parent comments;

Port Hacking is exciting and stimulating: there is a positive attitude to learning, good discipline and a supportive environment for my child.

· Port Hacking is a caring environment which encourages participation and a sense of belonging.

· The school has community spirit and a sense of responsibility for children.

· The older students are supportive and provide great role models.

· The school leaders are positive, motivated and accessible.

· The structure of classes is excellent and my child is keen to participate.

· It’s exciting and stimulating: there are lots of new things that make my child enthusiastic about learning.

· The kids are all working hard from day one.

· Port Hacking is a happy and helpful school with an excellent reputation in sport, performing arts and academic achievement. Year 7 are encouraged to be involved.

Year 7 parents describe the teaching staff as helpful, supportive, dependable, positive, motivated, hard-working, enthusiastic, accessible and responsive.