Collaborating to empower learners
T: Telephone02 4968 1939
E: Emailwaratah-h.school@det.nsw.edu.au
The ASPIRE Program at Callaghan College Waratah Campus is designed to enable high potential and gifted students to thrive and fulfil their potential in a stimulating and supportive environment.
The program is made up of two classes, each catering for up to 28 students who have similar abilities and desire to extend themselves beyond the expected level for their age.
Our ASPIRE teaching and learning programs follow the NSW Curriculum for Year 7 and 8, however the focus is challenging and supporting students to:
Students in the program are supported by our Deputy Principals, ASPIRE Coordinator and a team of teachers who ensure the individual learning and support needs of every student are catered for.
Our program responds to the NSW Department of Education's Gifted and High Potential Student Policy.
The ASPIRE Program is based on an Inquiry Based Learning philosophy. This is a highly engaging, student centered teaching practice that fosters transformative learning and provides opportunities for students to apply their skills through real world, personally meaningful experiences.
Our targeted learning programs focus on the holistic development of our students. We want students to excel and thrive academically, but also to have the social and emotional skills they will need to become successful life long learners and positive contributors to their community as adults.
For more information, please read our ASPIRE Program Brochure.
Complete the application form online via the red button below. Alternatively, you can download a pdf of the ASPIRE Program Application Form.
All hard copy applications for the Year 7 ASPIRE classes of 2023 must be submitted to your Year 6 teacher by Monday 4 April 2022.
There is a 4-step selection process designed to identify students who are a good fit for the program.
Step 1: Complete and submit the online application form or the downloadable pdf form.
Step 2: Students are required to write responses to four questions as part of their application form.
Step 3: Applicants will be invited to attend an interview and participate in a Bright Spark workshop with our ASPIRE staff in early Term 2. At the interview, applicants will be asked to present and discuss a piece of work that demonstrates their strengths, skills and interests.
Step 4: ASPIRE staff will consult with Year 6 teachers and Primary Principals to further assess applicants’ suitability for the program.
Upon consideration of all aspects of the application process, successful applicants will receive a letter of offer a few weeks after their interview.
Please ensure you accept your offer of enrolment by the date specified on the offer letter or your place will be made available to another student on our reserve list.
ASPIRE is a two year program. Student suitability for the program is reviewed at the end of Year 7, but generally students continue in their ASPIRE class until the end of Year 8.
From Year 9, students from the ASPIRE program are given first priority for our stage 5 (Year 9 and 10) enrichment and extension programs, including our Personal Pursuit Program elective and STEM program.
Our ASPIRE program is enriched by a culture of high expectations and learning excellence. The workload is greater than mainstream classes and students are expected to continue learning at home by establishing good home study practices. We encourage students to talk to their teachers early if they are feeling overwhelmed by their workload so we can make adjustments to suit their individual needs.
Late applications may be accepted at our Principal's discretion, but additional information will be requested from the applicant.
Applications for non-local enrolment are assessed on a case-by-case basis and maybe accepted at the discretion of our Principal.
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address
Turton Road
Waratah NSW 2298
telephone 02 4968 1939
We would like to pay our respects and acknowledge the traditional custodians of the land and also pay respect to Elders both past and present.
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