A.C.E.D. stands for āAccelerationā, āChallengeā, āEnrichmentā, and āDiscoveryā ā these are the values that underpin Mount Ridley P-12 Collegeās Select Entry Academic Program. This program offers places to a limited number of very capable and committed students who are able to meet the academic rigours set by the program.
The vision of this program acknowledges that every student is unique, and that their learning style is reflective of their individuality. Through a process of inquiry, questioning, curiosity and collaboration, students are accelerated through their coursework and are provided with a challenging learning environment.
The enrichment component of the program encourages the study of more complex and abstract concepts, with a greater emphasis on higher order thinking skills. There are a number of opportunities provided to these students, including participation in a range of competitions, excursions, leadership opportunities and special projects.
The major intake for the program occurs at Year 7 (see below for information regarding 2024 Year 7 Intake). Students may elect to join the program at Year 8 and onwards, should positions become available during mid-year intake opportunities. These opportunities are advertised via Compass.
WHO IS THIS PROGRAM SUITED TO?
Accelerated learning is not appropriate for all students. It is both rewarding and demanding, with high expectations and a greater classroom workload. The program suits students who want to be challenged and who demonstrate capability across multiple academic areas.
Students are actively encouraged to develop investigative, problem solving and creative thinking skills that will extend and engage them and which will provide an excellent foundation for further studies. For this reason, students that consider themselves naturally curious and self-driven are encouraged to apply.
We expect, where possible, that applicants are performing beyond the expected level for their age. The ACED Program is an enrichment program aimed at creating 21st Century learners, preparing students to be informed global citizens. For more information, please download our ACED Handbook.
APPLICATION PROCESS
The application process for ACED is designed to identify students for whom this type of program is appropriate. For each Year 7 intake, one group (of no more than 25 students) will make up the ACED class and will potentially remain in that group up until the end of Year 12 (provided they meet the requirements of the program as set by the College).
For the duration of their enrolment in the ACED Program, students will be in the care of a Mentor teacher, the ACED Program Leader and Director of Specialised Programs.
The application process for ACED is designed to identify students for whom this type of program is appropriate.Ā All ofĀ the information gathered is used to help select the students who will be best equipped to cope with the rigours of an enrichment learning program.
Students will have to complete a two step process when applying.
You will have from the 9th August 2024 ā 16th August 2024 to complete both steps in order to be considered for a spot in the ACED Program for 2024.
STEP 1: APPLICATION FORM
Students hoping to enrol in Year 7 for the following academic year at Mount Ridley College are invited to complete an application form for the ACED program, via an online form accompanied by copies of the following required documentation.
- Year 6, Semester 1 report
- Other supporting evidence to support your application
Late or incomplete applications will not be accepted.Ā
Online application link via MS Teams will be live from the 9th August.
STEP 2: EDUTEST REGISTRATION
All applicants must register online withĀ EduTest. The EduTest link will be live from the 9th August.
A non-refundable payment of $88 applies to cover testing and assessment charges. This payment is due at the time of online registration.
This year Edutest is on the 18th August.
Registrations must be completed by 4pm including payment of $88 by Wednesday 16th August.
STEP 3: REFERENCES
Information is collected from the studentās primary school, including a teacher reference for both external applicants and applicants currently enrolled at Mount Ridley P-12 College.
STEP 4: TESTING
All applicants that have submitted a timely application are invited to completeĀ EduTestĀ testing onsite on the 18th August 2023.
STEP 5: PORTFOLIO & INTERVIEW
Upon review of test scores, reports and assessments, applicants will be shortlisted.
All shortlisted applicants will be asked to submit a digital portfolio, including a writing piece, numeracy task, and another work sample of choice. The guidelines and submission date for the digital portfolio will be provided to each family.
All applicants are required to attend an interview at the College accompanied by their parents/guardians. During this interview, students and parents will be asked a range of questions. The date and times of interviews will be provided to each family.
STEP 6: SELECTION OF SUCCESSFUL APPLICANTS
Upon consideration of all components of the application process, all applicants will be notified via email correspondence of the outcome of their application following the confirmation of enrolment at the College. The decision by the College is final.
Please note: Completion of the ACED testing does not automatically secure enrolment at Mount Ridley College. āThe Department of Education Year 6 to Year 7 Transition: Application for Year 7 Placementā Form must still be submitted to the Year 6 Coordinator at your Primary School.
Please note:Ā EduTestĀ Registration must be completed for application to be considered.Ā Late or incomplete applications will not be accepted.
CONTACT INFORMATION
Hamish Pearce
Director of Specialised Programs
Hamish.Pearce@education.vic.gov.au