Next year, Thomas Carr College will introduce the Magis program. This is an accelerated learning program designed to cater for the needs of academically gifted or talented students who demonstrate above-average abilities and high levels of task commitment and creativity.
College principal Andrew Watson explains that magis – Latin for greater, excellent, the best – is deeply rooted in the wisdom and tradition of Ignatian spirituality.
“Through specialist curricula, well-practised teaching expertise and a developed culture of high expectations, students will be stimulated, challenged and motivated towards even higher levels of achievement through the Magis program,” Dr Watson says.
“Each year, one class of students will be selected to participate in the six-year program, which is designed to enhance intellectual potential and development.
“Accelerated courses involve a combination of a faster-paced curriculum and more complex and abstract material, encouraging students to further develop their capacity for higher-level thinking.”
Dr Watson says that, while Magis will align with current year 7-12 curricula, there will be many new opportunities.
“They will be encouraged to participate in a range of advanced academic activities focussing on literacy and numeracy, as well as extended in various electives on offer,” he says.
Gifted or talented students experience a sense of wellbeing, positive development and engagement when provided with supportive and challenging learning environments and opportunities that are responsive to their individual strengths and interests, he says.
“The ability for Magis students to complete the VCE (Baccalaureate) will also be central to this program,” Dr Watson says.
“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 languages other than English will allow students to take up this opportunity.”
A key feature of the Magis program is allowing students the opportunity to complete Advanced Standing Studies in partnership with tertiary institutions.
The program will begin with the next cohort of year 7 students. A class of 24 gifted students has already been selected.
For further information in relation to the Magis program, call the college’s director of learning and teaching.
Thomas Carr College, 35 Thomas Carr Drive, Tarneit. Inquiries: 8734 2444 or visit wwww.thomascarr.vic.edu.au
