The “Challenge Class”
Concept
The “Challenge Class” concept has operated at
Bosco College since 2004 and has been so successful that other schools
within the Sydney Archdiocese are now planning to implement similar programmes.
The Challenge Classes are specifically designed to cater for the learning
needs of the more academically talented students. It is similar to the
“selective stream” that operates in some schools but offers
much more because it emphasises the provision of teaching and learning
strategies appropriate to academically capable students. Participation
in the Challenge Class Programme is an opportunity for very talented students
to excel in an environment in which they are able to interact with students
of similar ability and motivation. The programme has been designed utilising
current research and is continually being refined.
The key features of the Challenge Class Programme include:
- One Challenge Class per year level in Years 8 –
10 and four mixed ability classes in each of these year levels.
- The “Challenge Class” concept differs significantly
from “streaming”, which is usually associated with a whole
year level group being allocated to differentiated classes on a sliding
scale from the ‘top’ class to the ‘bottom’ class.
The “Challenge Class” concept is only one class and all
other classes in the year group remain mixed ability classes.
- Students are required to apply for entry to the Challenge
Class. Entry into the Challenge Class is offered to students according
to their ranking based on a clear selection process and rigorous selection
criteria. Students currently in the Challenge Class are required to
reapply for entry into the programme each year..
- Students in the Challenge Class study all their core
subjects (English; Geography; History; Religious Education; Personal
Development, Health and Physical Education; Science; and LOTE (Italian)
in Year 8 only) in this class. Mathematics will continued to be studied
in separate streamed classes.
- Experience at Bosco reflects the findings of the available
research, namely that all students, including those not participating
in the programme, are advantaged by the programme. Those in the Challenge
Class have the opportunity to develop their academic capabilities in
the context of a supportive academic environment. In the other classes
a new group of students emerges as particularly capable and increases
in academic confidence and ability.
Further details about the Challenge Class Programme will be available
at a special Information Night to be conducted on Tuesday
23 October at 7:30 – 8:30 pm in the College Theatrette.
Information booklets are available below.
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