Parent Teacher InterviewsHarrisdale Extension Academic Program (HEAP)
Unlocking a Heap of Possibilities!
Harrisdale SHS is proud to offer an Extension Academic program called HEAP. Our new HEAP pathway is meticulously designed to immerse students in a learning model that cultivates critical thinking, problem-solving skills, creativity, and academic rigor.
Aligned with our State Selected Academic Gifted and Talented classes, the HEAP pathway opens doors for more students in our area to realise their full potential. HEAP students will dive into a wealth of ideas, skill sets, and creative thinking, propelling them to rise and exceed their true potential.
In keeping with our commitment to impactful teaching and learning, this pathway is tailored for students with advanced academic potential. Through inquiry-based learning, problem-solving tasks, and self-directed projects, students are empowered to take charge of their learning journey and hone their critical thinking skills.
The HEAP pathway extends its focus beyond academic excellence to prioritise social and emotional growth. Students are strongly encouraged to engage in extracurricular activities, seize leadership opportunities, and actively participate in community initiatives.
Join us on this transformative journey with HEAP, where students are empowered to excel academically, grow personally, and make a positive impact in their communities.
A Holistic Approach
Students in the HEAP pathway will flourish within a supportive and stimulating environment, engaging in rich discussions, research projects, and collaborative learning experiences with peers who share similar academic abilities and interests.
Preparing for the Future
HEAP goes beyond academic achievements; it's about nurturing well-rounded individuals. Students are encouraged to participate in extracurricular activities, leadership opportunities, and community engagement initiatives, equipping them for the dynamic challenges of the 21st century and their future aspirations.
Enrichment to Broaden Perspectives
The HEAP pathway maximizes opportunities to expand students' capabilities. Through participation in various competitions and enrichment activities, students are challenged to apply their knowledge and skills in practical contexts, fostering healthy competition among peers. These activities serve as a catalyst for inspiring students to strive for excellence.
Our programs provide and encourage students to push their boundaries, develop resilience, and cultivate teamwork and problem-solving skills essential for success.
What's on Offer?
Students enrolled in the HEAP pathway undertake extension programs in Mathematics, English, Science, and HASS (MESH) from Years 7 to 10, while also fulfilling standard curriculum requirements. These courses are meticulously crafted to ignite curiosity, promote metacognition, and deepen academic content understanding, uniquely tailored for high-performing students by our exceptional teachers.
In the HEAP pathway, students thrive within a supportive and stimulating environment, engaging in in-depth learning enrichment, project-based learning, and high-order thinking experiences alongside peers who share similar academic abilities and interests.
Our curriculum transcends standards, fostering intellectual growth and creating a challenging atmosphere that cultivates a genuine love for learning, nurtures critical and creative thinking, and aims to surpass traditional benchmarks. Personalised learning and individualised instruction are integral, ensuring each student's academic success and the development of skills essential for their future.
Student progress and achievement are closely monitored, and participation in the program is contingent upon various factors, including academic performance and conduct.
Who Can Apply?
The HEAP pathway entry test is one component of the selection process conducted by the school to identify students suitable for this program. Entry into the Year 7 HEAP pathway is exclusively open to students who will be enrolling at Harrisdale for the coming academic year. Therefore, only students intending to enrol for that next year's cohort should sit for the test.
We extend our invitation to interested Year 6 students to participate and apply for selection into this esteemed pathway.
How Do I Apply?
To apply for the HEAP pathway, students must undergo a comprehensive examination covering sections in Reading Aptitude, Creative and Quantitative Mathematics, Complex Abstract Reasoning, and Academic Writing.
Aligned with the standards of the Education Department’s ASET, this examination aims to establish a distinguished class that will operate alongside our Gifted and Talented counterparts.
No preparation is required for the test, and sample questions will not be provided. The assessment does not evaluate specific knowledge or course content, so students need not revise any material.
There we be an administration fee per student to cover the costs associated with undertaking the test.
Selection Process
Stage 1: Application
Apply through the Harrisdale SHS Website by completing the application form and providing your rationale for seeking placement in our HEAP academic pathway.
Stage 2: Testing
Selection of students is based on testing conducted by ACER. The test, known as the Higher Ability Selection Test (HAST), is administered in Year 6 for the intake of Year 7 students the following year. It encompasses Reading Aptitude, Creative and Quantitative Mathematics, Complex Abstract Reasoning, and Academic Writing.
This test is closely modelled on the Education Department’s ASET and plays a crucial role in forming a class that will run parallel to our esteemed Gifted and Talented classes.
Stage 3: Portfolio and Interview
Students deemed suitable after testing will be contacted for an interview. During this stage, they will have the opportunity to showcase their achievements and work samples through a portfolio discussion with our Director of Innovation and academic team.
Any further questions please email;
harrisdale.shs.heap@education.wa.edu.au
