At St Helena, we empower students to explore their full potential and embrace excellence through our Accelerated Curriculum and Enrichment (ACE) Program. Tailored for gifted and talented students, the ACE Program fosters an engaging and challenging learning environment that encourages self-directed learning and a commitment to academic achievement and school involvement.
Program Overview
The ACE Program is designed for highly motivated students in Year 7-9 who seek academic challenges that align with their abilities. The program emphasises higher-order thinking skills, problem-solving, and collaborative project-based learning, with a focus on personal growth and community engagement.
Eligibility and Selection Process
Self-motivated, independent learners who exhibit exceptional skills in one or more curriculum areas are encouraged to apply. Eligibility for the ACE Program is determined through a comprehensive assessment process, including:
- University-developed achievement tests in Reading Comprehension, Mathematical Reasoning, and Abstract Thinking
- Teacher assessments from primary school, collected by the St Helena Transition Team
- Student self-assessments
- Parent feedback and evaluations
- An interview process
Students best suited for the ACE Program typically demonstrate strong organisational skills, well-developed literacy and numeracy, and a broad general knowledge base.
Program Features
The ACE Program operates one class of 26 students, commencing in Year 7, with students remaining together through the first three years (Years 7 to 9). In this collaborative setting, students complete the Years 7-10 curriculum in three years, followed by an enriched VCE over the next three years. Opportunities to undertake a university subject, such as Higher Education VCE Studies (HEVS), are available in ACE students’ final year (Year 12) at school, allowing them to further enhance their learning experience.
Program Objectives
The objectives of the ACE Program are to develop and extend higher-order, divergent, and independent thinking skills while cultivating problem-solving abilities and creative solutions. The program aims to connect learning across key subjects and real-life applications, inspiring motivation and interest in a broad range of academic fields. Furthermore, the ACE Program encourages excellence in contributions to both the school and the wider community, while supporting social and emotional growth through the development of scholarly habits and healthy interpersonal relationships. Experience the ACE Difference
Students in the ACE Program learn in a supportive and collaborative environment alongside peers with similar interests and aspirations. While they follow the same core curriculum as their classmates, ACE students have access to additional resources, enrichment programs, and differentiated learning materials that promote deeper analysis and encourage advanced thinking skills.
To apply, please download the ACE Handbook and Application Forms.