Academic extension programs

SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY ACADEMY AND ACADEMIC EXTENSION PROGRAMS
The STA and AEP programs are linked programs within the school curriculum. Students participate in various parts of the programs depending on their abilities and interests. The majority of AEP students
participate in both the Science and Technology Academy classes and the Humanities classes, although some gain entry into only one of the two groups. Non AEP students can become members of the Science
and Technology Academy.

Application Process for the Science and Technology Academy and Academic Extension Programs
Application Process Time Frame for year 6 and 7 students in 2009
• Expression of interest - Expressing your interest in the programs in March or early April will
ensure that the appropriate information brochures and application forms are forwarded to you.
Application forms can also be obtained from the school office.
• Wednesday 29 April – Completed application forms to be received by the school. [Includes a form
for Parents/Guardians, form for student and form for a school referee to complete.]
• Saturday 9 May - Testing of applicants at Leeming Senior High School between 10am and 12
noon. [STA test has an emphasis on problem solving.]
• May 26 to June 5 - Interviews take place with short listed students. [Panel asks students questions
related to their interests and abilities.]
• Thursday 11 June – Offers of placement posted.
• Monday 22 June – Acceptance of placement confirmed by parent.

ACADEMIC EXTENSION PROGRAM INFORMATION

The Academic Extension Program provides academically able students access to a range of learning
experiences that meet their specific talents.
Two learning streams are provided:-
1. Specialist Science and Technology Academy: - Students are in an AEP class group for Science,
Mathematics and some Technology and Home Economics classes. Their membership of the
Science and Technology Academy provides them with the opportunity to participate in a range of
related extension and enrichment activities.
2. English and Society and Environment: - Students are in an AEP class for English and Society and
Environment.
Participants are provided with an enriching curriculum which is differentiated in pace, level and degree of
abstraction and focuses on:-
• Promoting academic rigour
• Providing opportunities for critical analysis with an emphasis on higher order thinking
• Foster collaborative home – school partnership to support students within the program
• Provide a range of opportunities and to monitor and evaluate programs for academically able
students
The staff involved with the Academic Extension Program is a professional learning team who work
collaboratively to implement strategies to emphasise success and achievement.
Aims
• To be inclusive
• To provide a differentiated curriculum
• To be dynamic
• To involve students in a range of extension activities
• To provide a positive learning environment

SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY ACADEMY INFORMATION

The Science and Technology Academy at Leeming Senior High School is an officially registered and
accredited Specialist Program within the W.A. Education Department.
Aims
• To foster greater interest and participation in the Sciences and Technology.
• To provide enthusiastic and able students the opportunity to work with like minded classmates in
Academic Extension Science, Mathematics and Technology Programs.
• To have students choose to participate in a wide range and number of extension and enrichment
activities and challenges.
Membership
Students can obtain membership into the Science and Technology Academy in one of the following two
categories.
1. STA Specialist Members
These members benefit from participation in special Academic Extension Programs (AEP) in their
Science, Mathematics and Technology classes. This allows them to work with like minded,
capable and enthusiastic students on learning programs which extend them and encourage them to
reach their potential. Many members also gain membership into the AEP Classes for English and
Society and Environment.
The number of places as a Specialist Member of the Science and Technology Academy is limited
by class sizes.
2. Non Specialist STA Members
This membership is open to all students who wish to extend themselves by participating in STA
activities but have not qualified for STA Specialist Membership. They have access to all the
benefits of STA Specialist membership except participation in the AEP Science, Mathematics
classes.
Membership is gained by completing an official Application for Placement. This includes a form
for Parents/Guardians to complete, a form for the student to complete and a teacher reference.
Application are accepted from all school members.
STA Activities
STA membership provides students with a wide range of science, technology, mathematics and
computing extension and enrichment opportunities. Members choose to participate in activities advertised to them and accumulate points towards their STA Award and STA Certificate. Examples of the types of
activities offered are:-
• Externally offered written test type competitions. (National Chemistry Competition; Big Science
Competition; Maths; Computing; … )
• Externally run competitions where students participate as teams. (Science and Engineering
Challenge; Have Sum Fun; Model Solar Car; Titration Stakes; Robocup; ……. )
• In school competitions and challenges. ( Tallest Plant Competition; Straw Bridge Competition;…)
• Mentor/assistant programs offered. (Primary “Hands on Science” program for primary students;
Scitech “SSS Science Fair”;…….)
• Research type competitions. (Crest Awards; Science talent search; Inventor of the year)
• Complete own research or technology project at home. (Build own wind generator; ….)
• Work with a scientist on their research project.
• Involvement with community groups. (Environmental rehabilitation; ….)
• Short Courses and Activities. (Computer building; Robotics Introduction; ….)
• World Solar Challenge Team member, building and racing the school’s solar car from Darwin to
Adelaide.
• Excursions. (SSS Science Fair; …)
• Incursions. (Scitech programs; visiting lecturers; …)
• Elective STA related suite of subjects to choose. (Technology Studies; Food Science; Science Elective; …)
• Trips. (Tour of Canberra Science Exhibits and Facilities; Space Science Tour to USA; …)

Further Information and Expressions of Interest

Expressions of interest can be emailed to the Principal Leeming Senior High School
leeming.shs@det.wa.edu.au
or
The following people may be contacted at the school on telephone number 9310 1300:
Ross Morecombe(Principal) Graeme Roberts(STA Manager) Marisa Lovatt(AEP Coordinator)

CISCO Network Local Academy
As a CISCO Local Academy the school offers a CISCO Certified Networking Associate qualification. CISCO Systems is an American computer company and the Networking Academies form an arm of this company. Students who complete the course successfully will gain a network servicing and maintenance qualification that is recognised internationally. The course is text-book free, with all the curriculum content, text, diagrams and videos existing digitally, allowing students access to study 24 hours a day, 7 days a week via the school's intranet or from home via the Internet.

Parent information night dates are published in the Newsletter and also in the School Calendar.

Academic extension programs