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Able & Ambitious is a parallel program catering to students who would benefit from a level of extension in their studies above and beyond what is achievable in a mainstream classroom. It comprises a 'core class' in Years 7, 8 & 9 in which students can engage in elective classes with the mainstream cohort. Within this core class, students explore curriculum content at an accelerated pace, giving scope for increasing the breadth of content covered. Alternative assessment practices allow for a deeper exploration of mainstream content where creativity and academic risk-taking are held in equal esteem.

Ignite and Innovate

Students are required to participate in Ignite and Innovate, a signature component of the Able and Ambitious program. Inspired by the College motto, Discere et Agere  - To Learn, To Do - the program encourages students to pursue excellence beyond the classroom by applying their learning in authentic and challenging contexts.

Ignite and Innovate provides opportunities for students to engage in competitions, challenges and enrichment experiences that extend their thinking and deepen their understanding. Opportunities include the Da Vinci Decathlon, Model United Nations Conferences, the Australian Mathematics Competition, VATE: A Story in Miniature, Live FM and a variety of other academic and creative pursuits.

Through participation, students are encouraged to challenge themselves, explore areas of interest and engage with learning in new ways. These experiences foster independence and confidence while providing opportunities for students to apply their talents beyond the traditional curriculum.

The Able & Ambitious program attempts to foster strong intrapersonal and environmental catalysts for the development of our most able students, as described by Gagne` (2020). We recognise and understand that a core curriculum needs to be adjusted to meet the needs of our most able students (Tomlinson and McTighe 2006). As such, the Able & Ambitious program has been designed as an accelerated curriculum that allows for increased breadth and depth of learning. This is tempered with the introduction of the Passion Project which enhances intrinsic motivation and gives students the autonomy and freedom to explore how they learn. This is complemented by Ignite and Innovate, which fosters student agency by providing opportunities for learners to pursue excellence in areas of personal interest beyond the traditional curriculum.