IN FOCUS: College’s learning curve takes off

(Photo supplied)

Thomas Carr College’s Magis Program is dedicated to creating the very best learning environment so students will be challenged and shine brightly.

The program is designed to cater for the needs of the academically gifted or talented student who demonstrate above-average abilities and high levels of task commitment and creativity.

Deeply rooted in the wisdom and tradition of Ignatian spirituality, the Latin word, magi, means “the greater, the excellent, the best”.

Through this specialist curriculum, well-practised teaching expertise and a culture of high expectations, students are stimulated, challenged and motivated towards higher levels of achievement.

Each year, one class of year 7 students will be selected to embark on the six-year Magis Program, which is designed to enhance intellectual potential and development.

Accelerated courses involve a combination of a faster-paced curriculum and more complex, abstract material that encourage development of higher-level thinking.

College principal Andrew Watson says that while the Magis Program will align with the current curriculum from years 7 to 12, many new opportunities to extend students will be presented.

“Students will be encouraged to participate in a range of advanced academic activities, focusing on literacy and numeracy, while being extended in the various college electives,” Dr Wason says. “The ability for Magis Program students to complete the VCE (Baccalaureate) will also be central to this program.

“The VCE (Baccalaureate) is an additional form of recognition for those students who choose to undertake the demands of studying both higher-level mathematics and a language in their VCE program of study. Advanced studies in LOTE will allow students to take up this opportunity.”

Dr Watson says gifted or talented students experience a sense of wellbeing, positive development and engagement when provided with supportive and challenging learning environments, along with opportunities that are responsive to their individual strengths and interests.

A key feature of the Magis Program is that it allows students the chance to complete Advanced Standing Studies in partnership with tertiary institutions.

Each year, the college also offers scholarships to two students in year 7 and two students in year 10. Scholarship applications for 2019 are now open and close on April 10.

To apply, go to aus.edutest.com.au/Parent/Landing?s=RSm8QS8QiFqcHpXvMUrlrg%3d%3d

For further information on scholarship applications, contact the college registrar.

For all other information, contact the director of learning and teaching.

 

Thomas Carr College, 35 Thomas Carr Drive, Tarneit. Inquiries: 8734 2444