The Alpha and Aspire Academic Extension Program
Alkimos College caters for the educational needs for high-performing students through our Alpha and Aspire academic extension programs.
ALPHA Program – Academic Extension
Alkimos College
About The Program
We recognise that these students must be nurtured and inspired within inclusive and supportive learning environments, in which enrichment and extension are provided daily.
Our Alpha and Aspire classes focus on providing opportunities for educational excellence. Students learn with like-minded peers in streamed classes from Specialist teachers in Mathematics, English, Science and Humanities. A differentiated learning program is provided so that students are challenged daily and engaged in authentic, real-world learning experiences.
Opportunities and Enrichment
Opportunities such as special competitions, excursions and guest-speakers are provided to our Alpha and Aspire cohort. Students are expected to maintain Good Standing and high standards of attitude, behaviour and effort in order to maintain their place in this competitive program. Some of the opportunities provided to our Alpha and Aspire students in 2022 were:
- Write a Book in a Day competition
- Australian Maths competition
- Tim Winton creative writing competition
- Excursion to the Perth Zoo
- Guest-speaking and workshop from published author Mark Smith
- Incursion from the Perth WaterCorporation
- Incursion from the Bell Shakespeare Company
- Incursion from World of Maths
- Incursions from the Fremantle Literacy Centre
To view the Alpha Aspire Guidelines please click the link below:
Curriculum
Alpha teachers will extend students and differentiate curriculum. Students stay with their Alpha classes in the MESH areas (Maths, English, Science, HaSS), Physical Education and Anchor. Enrichment opportunities are provided and may include excursions to universities, mentoring from academic coaches and a variety of fun and engaging incursions.
At Alkimos College our students work together to foster creativity and innovation to create empowered individuals. We provide a safe and inclusive environment where ‘hands on’ and ‘minds on’ learning experiences are embedded in everyday college life. Our staff and students strive for excellence and grow with our community to cultivate a culture of high quality teaching and learning.
Entrance Requirements
Future Alpha students are selected based on evidence of ability (primary school data), positive attitude and teacher recommendations. The Associate Principal responsible for transition will identify students in year 4-6 as ‘Aspirants’ and then induct into the Alpha Program for Year 7, if suitable. The college may undertake further diagnostic testing and rely on feedback from teachers, if places are limited.
For each Year 7 cohort, entry is based on data from primary schools and/or visits by Associate Principal/s. Students offered a place will receive a letter/email. An academic scholarship will also be offered to eligible Year 7 students and in subsequent years for our partner primary schools only (Alkimos Beach PS, Alkimos PS, Shorehaven PS, John Butler Primary College).
Students not able to maintain the required academic rigour within the Alpha program will be placed into the Aspirant class. Students can be in Alpha for either one or more MESH subjects’, dependant on student strengths and aspirations.
Alpha eligibility is reviewed on a semester basis by the Assistant Principal (Mr Chris Hatzis).
