Program Overview
AccelerateExcel is John Paul College’s formalised and structured approach to subject-based acceleration. This provision enables students to study subjects of skill and interest at levels beyond their grade level so that their learning more accurately reflects their level of development and achievement. This is part of our commitment to students learning and growth, no matter their starting point.
Program outline and how it works
AccelerateExcel packages single-subject acceleration with several supporting structures to facilitate students learning at the pace most suitable for them, ‘getting ahead’ on their learning programs and finding the motivation that high levels of appropriate challenge create.
Students may apply to study in any subject area the Secondary School offers, up to a maximum of two subjects. The final offer is dependent upon eligibility and suitability criteria, the structure of the Secondary School timetable, and class availability.
A student undertaking a subject acceleration as part of the program becomes a full-time member of their accelerated class. They are case-managed and supported by the Secondary School’s Gifted and Talented Co-ordinator, who is their support and advocate.
How the ‘time gained’ through such acceleration is ultimately used, often in the final years of Secondary Schooling, is negotiated on a case-by-case basis and may include the option to study additional ATAR subjects or undertake early university study.
Eligibility and suitability
AccelerateExcel is designed for students who meet at least two out of three eligibility and suitability criteria:
High aptitude: evidence of high potential in relevant areas, commonly referred to as giftedness, around the top ten per cent of age peers.
High competency: a pattern of consistent high achievement in relevant subject and skill areas, commonly referred to as talent, around the top ten per cent of age peers.
High readiness: existing ‘entry-level’ skills and knowledge for the target course and social and emotional readiness to learn alongside older peers and interact more proactively with teachers.
The application process guides families through collecting and submitting the data used to assess these three criteria. Ideal candidates meet all three, while suitable candidates align with at least two of them.
Application process
The application process for AccelerateExcel will be accessible via MyJPC after a student has enrolled at the College. This process involves collecting data to assess the student’s Aptitude, Competency and Readiness, as outlined above.
As part of their application, an applicant will be asked to provide the following:
- Digital copies/scans of the applicant’s two (2) most recent academic reports
- Digital copies/scans of the applicant’s most recent NAPLAN results
- A written statement from the applicant about their suitability
- A written statement from the parent/guardian about the student's suitability
- A written statement from a teacher about the student's suitability
- [Optional] A digital copy of any psychometric and/or other relevant specialist reports
- [Optional] A list of school and other achievements
We encourage future families interested in this provision to flag their interest as part of their admissions application so we can appropriately direct their enquiries.
Further Information
For information about AccelerateExcel, don't hesitate to contact Mr Joel Bonomini, the Secondary School’s Gifted and Talented Co-ordinator, at JBonomini@jpc.qld.edu.au.
