Select Entry Accelerated Program

The Select Entry Accelerated Learning (SEAL) program has been operating successfully in the school since its introduction in 1998.

SEAL Program Background

Sale College prides itself on being able to cater for the diverse learning needs of all students in the local community, supporting them to reach their potential.
The Select Entry Accelerated Learning (SEAL) program has been operating successfully in the school since its introduction in 1998, to cater for the special needs of "CHIPS", Children of High Intellectual Potential.

SEAL Program Aims

To provide a challenging program for academically able students that allows them to work with like-minded individuals.
To create a stimulating learning environment that engages and inspires students in their learning, and promotes independent and responsible study habits.
To maximise choice and opportunity for academic pathways through the senior school and tertiary studies.

Academy of Accredited SEAL Schools

The Academy of Accredited SEAL Schools (TAASS) is a collective of like minded schools who strongly value Gifted Education in Victorian Government secondary schools. SEAL Academy schools offer engaging accelerated programs for their groups of gifted students. They meet regularly to share and learn from each others' experiences of their gifted education programs. SEAL Academy schools offer their teaching staff an extensive professional development program in Gifted Education, and, through their networks, are able to source outstanding educators for their programs.

Click here to go to the Academy of Accredited SEAL Schools website.

2017 SEAL Application Timeline

21st October 2016 – Late applications due to Sale College – this includes parent evaluation, 'The Famous You', and the $50 late application fee
November 2nd 2016 – Late SEAL exam, 12:00pm to 3:15pm at Guthridge Campus.

Click here to download a copy of the SEAL Application Booklet for 2017.
The booklet covers the background to the program, how it works and how students are selected.

2018 SEAL Application Timeline

Term 1 – Application forms available from Sale College, Guthridge Campus– this includes parent evaluation, 'The Famous You', and the application fee.
Parent Information Evening for Grade 6 SEAL students Wednesday 19th April 2017
Applications due 28th April 2017
Saturday 13th May 2017 – SEAL exam at Guthridge Campus, 9:30 – 12:30
May 2017 – interviews for SEAL applicants
June 2017 – first round offers posted.

Contact SEAL Coordinators

SEAL Coordinator
daff.deborah.j@edumail.vic.gov.au

SEAL Assistant Coordinator
lang.naomi.e@edumail.vic.gov.au

Frequently Asked Questions & Answers

What is the SEAL program?

It is a special program available in a small number of Victorian schools that telescopes the 7-10 curriculum for core subjects into 3 years. We have a class of 25 students in each year level from years 7-9, and graduates from the program in years 10, 11 and 12 following varied pathways.
The program has places for a limited number of very capable and committed students who feel that they would benefit from taking part in a curriculum compaction program. Curriculum compaction differs from the general program in that it provides for:

A faster paced curriculum which is non-repetitive
An opportunity to work with more complex and more abstract course material
An opportunity to work cooperatively with peers of similar ability.
The program will accelerate students in English, Mathematics, Science, Humanities and Japanese/Indonesian.

Other subjects studied will be similar to mainstream classes - Arts, Technology, Physical Education and Health. Students are encouraged to participate in other special programs such as Music, Drama, Sport, Camps, Advance and Leadership.

Who is it for?

Students in the program should be looking for intellectual stimulation and challenge beyond that normally offered in their year level. They should be in the top 10-20% of their peers academically, enjoy working with like minded others, and have a real thirst for knowledge and understanding.

Why do we have it?

To provide a supportive and challenging learning environment for students who think and learn differently, and help them reach their potential. Teachers in the program design work that is similar but different from that presented in other classes, enabling students to operate at a higher level, minimizing repetition but still covering the essentials. It is not suitable for all students, and isn't meant to be.

How are students selected?

The focus is on learning behaviours. During Grade 6, information is collected from parents, students and teachers. A three-hour diagnostic exam from the University of New South Wales is also conducted, along with a student interview to help determine the Year 7 cohort.
Over the following three years, student progress is monitored. There is some movement into and out of the program based on student application and performance.

Does it cost any more?

Testing for the program costs $30, ($50 fee for late applications). Students are encouraged to enter Subject Competitions, (usually about $8.00 each), but this is optional. They have access to all the school's extra-curricular activities, such as camps, music and sport, as do all other students, at the usual price.

What happens at the end of Year 9?

Students move to the senior campus, and provided they have reached the required standard have access to a wide range of VCE and Year 10 subjects. Extensive career counselling at this stage is vital to select a suitable pathway.

Students can progress to VCE subjects as they move to the Macalister Campus. They may opt to:

Complete VCE in two years and enter tertiary education earlier
Take a wider choice of VCE subjects over 3 years
Select some VCE and some Year 10 subjects to extend themselves in areas of special interest whilst broadening their educational base.

For any further information, contact Mrs. Debbi Daff, SEAL Coordinator or Ms Naomi Lang, SEAL Assistant.

daff.deborah.j@edumail.vic.gov.au
lang.naomi.e@edumail.vic.gov.au