Enrichment, Extension and Acceleration
Stretching students beyond their comfort zone is central to Lakes’ commitment to academic excellence. Many students bring natural ability, a strong work ethic, or a genuine curiosity to their studies, and seek opportunities to explore subjects in greater depth. These qualities provide the foundation for students not only to achieve at a high level in their academic program but also to engage in rich and meaningful educational experiences both within and beyond the normal curriculum.
Within the curriculum, there are various structures that reflect the school’s commitment to enrichment as follows:
- Year K-4 students within classes in high potential learner groupings and according to individual work set by teachers and other specialist staff. Extension and enrichment opportunities are offered.
- Year 5-6 students with significant capability in English and Mathematics are provided extension and enrichment each week with exposure to senior school staff in specialist subject areas.
- Year 7-9 classes are streamed in some subject areas, particularly including Maths and English, supporting students to work at a pace and level of challenge that maximises their engagement.
- Year 9 and 10 extension and acceleration programs commence.
- Year 10 students achieving very high marks in the previous year are invited to accelerate their studies in some subject areas, commencing the Year 11 curriculum in Year 10, and thereby completing a Year 12 subject early.
Beyond the classroom, other opportunities for additional academic and intellectual growth and rigour include:
- External competition opportunities such as the DaVinci decathlon, ICAS, Maths Olympiad, Science Olympiad, Australian History Competition, Newcastle Permanent Maths Competition, Sleek Geeks Science Eureka Prize, Write-on, and Tournament of Minds
- IPSHA performing arts
- Scholarships
- Talented Athlete program
- Debating
- Public speaking
- Chess competitions
- Creative and Performing Arts (CAPA) opportunities
- Spelling bees
A strong careers pathways is woven into the academic care curriculum, allowing particularly our more senior students to develop a strong understanding of post-school opportunities and scholarships.
