Extension Opportunities
Melrose High School offers students a stimulating learning environment with the opportunity to become involved in a range of activities in and out of the classroom. All students have the opportunity to participate in programs that challenge them, interest them and introduce them to new and exciting ventures. Programs at Melrose High School are designed to introduce students to life long learning, providing them with experiences and skills to participate successfully in society.
Opportunities to extend students at Melrose High School exist in all aspects of school life and are available for all students. Some of our programs are designed for all students to participate in; others are for students in a particular year group. Other activities are designed for identified groups or individuals; others are based on talent, while still others are offered by invitation.
Extension activities in the academic curriculum
Across the school, students have opportunities to participate in classes based on proven ability in particular areas of study. Classes in English, Mathematics, Science and Languages (Year 8 German and Japanese) are formed around ability groupings of students in each year group. In the areas of SOSE, PE, Arts and Technology, students in Years 9 and 10 are able to choose the particular area of specialisation that suits their abilities and interests. In Languages, extension classes in German and Japanese are offered to Year 8 students.
In all learning areas there are opportunities for students to participate in challenging programs offered by outside agencies as well as from within the school. Students are invited and encouraged to enter national competitions in Mathematics, Science, Computing, History, Geography, English and Languages. Other programs offered in this field include the Australian Share Market Game, the CSIRO Crest Program and debating.
Debating
Students at Melrose High School have the opportunity to participate in the ANU Debating competition, which commences early in semester one. There is the Ford competition for students in Years 7 and 8 and the Murray competition for senior students in Years 9 and 10.
Preparation for debates is at lunchtimes under the supervision of a teacher.
The debates are held in the evenings on a fortnightly basis, at central locations for the northern and southern regions. Combined finals for winners in the rounds are held early in term 3. Both ACT Government and non-government schools participate in the competitions.
Melrose Extension Learning Program (MELP)
The Melrose Extension Learning Program provides extended learning opportunities to a range of students. These are timetabled classes that are offered within the various KLA’s to students who benefit from extension beyond the normal curriculum. The classes provide enrichment for students who have demonstrated an exceptional talent in a subject area, or are designed to promote engagement in learning for students who would benefit from development of certain skills. These units are often filled by invitation or through an application or audition process.
