IGNITE: Fueling a Passion for Learning in Gifted Students
Ignite your child’s passion for learning with our unique, creative, and challenging gifted and talented program designed to push students beyond their comfort zone and help them develop their strengths.
The IGNITE program is a stimulating and innovative curriculum specifically designed for academically gifted students. The program aims to inspire a passion for learning by offering various opportunities for creative, high-order, lateral-thinking, and problem-solving activities. The program covers both STEM (science, technology, engineering, and mathematics) and creative arts courses, allowing each student to develop their strengths and explore their interests.
Aims of the IGNITE Program
The primary goal of the IGNITE program is to ignite a passion for learning in every student. With a diverse selection of courses, students can explore their interests and develop their skills in a supportive environment that encourages exploration and growth. Each course is structured to foster critical thinking, creativity, and problem-solving, ensuring students are challenged and engaged throughout the entire program.
Program Structure
The IGNITE program spans from Year 5 to Year 8, with different courses offered each term. These exciting courses provide opportunities in science, technology, engineering, creative arts, and more. Assessment is project-based, encouraging students to apply their newfound knowledge and skills to real-world problems. The program is not graded, focusing on teacher and peer feedback to help students grow and improve.
Years 5 & 6
In Years 5 and 6, students participate in the course from Terms 2-4, with weekly sessions starting at 8.15 am and continuing through Homeroom and Period 1. The selection process for entry into the program is based on a written application, school-based testing, NAPLAN results, and teacher recommendations.
Year 5 Sample Course Description
- Term 2: Communicating in the 21st Century
- Term 3: Rube Goldberg
- Term 4: Creative Coding
Year 6 Sample Course Description
- Term 1: Mathmagicians
- Term 2: Robotics
- Term 3: Sustainability
- Term 4: Philosophy & Critical Thinking
Years 7 & 8
In Year 7, students participate in the course from Terms 2-4, attending one period a week from a core class and either a before-school or after-school session. In Year 8, IGNITE is offered as a year-long elective, with students participating in the program for four periods a cycle.
Year 7 Sample Course Description
- Term 2: Ciphers & Codes
- Term 3: Creative Circuitry
- Term 4: The Final Frontier
Year 8 Sample Course Description
Semester 1:
- Term 1: Robotics
- Term 2: Neuroscience
Semester 2:
- Term 3: Silent Movies
- Term 4: NAIDOC Minecraft Challenge
- Inspiring the Next Generation of Learners
By participating in the IGNITE program, students will be exposed to a diverse range of subjects and experiences that will inspire their passion for learning. With a focus on creativity, critical thinking, and problem-solving, the program provides students with a strong foundation for lifelong learning and success. So ignite your child’s passion for learning and help them uncover their true potential through the exciting opportunities offered by the IGNITE program.
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- Learning for Life
Author: Santa Maria College
Santa Maria College is a vibrant girls school with a growing local presence and reputation. Our Mission is to educate young Mercy women who act with courage and compassion to enrich our world. Santa Maria College is located in Attadale in Western Australia, 16 km from the Perth CBD. We offer a Catholic education for girls in Years 5 – 12 and have 1300 students, including 152 boarders.
