Our emphasis is not on rote learning but on providing activities which aid understanding. Entry to most programmes is subject to meritorious performance on assessments.
During each term parents are given statistical feedback about their child's performance in our regular testing programme.
We do not aim to accelerate students through the school curriculum but to provide activities and teaching which exercise higher levels of thinking.
Where appropriate, our teaching techniques use instruction, discussion, discovery, debate, co-operative problem solving and extensive use of hands-on materials. Many of the aims of the programmes can be met using puzzles, games and competitions so that fun and learning co-exist.
Director: Ros Wolfers
Galileo's Gang
Galileo's Gang is designed to cater for those with intellectual talent. The programme aims to provide social, recreational and intellectual opportunities through extension and enrichment activities.
Galileo's Gang operates at three levels - Junior, Intermediate and Senior. The programme is skills-based rather than knowledge-based.
Maths Talent
Students in these programmes have already displayed an interest in, and enjoyment of, mathematics. The programme provides extension and enrichment activities which enhance students' understanding of basic mathematical principles as well as their ability to reason mathematically at a high level.
Advanced English
The Swot Shop English Programmes are designed for students from Year 2 to 8 and operate at six levels - Primary C, B and A; Secondary C and B. The classes cater for those students with natural talent as well as for competent students wishing to improve. Entry is determined by assessment and promotion from one level to another is determined by student's progress.
Springboard
Springboard operates at three levels; Pre-School (in the 9 months prior to school enrolment), Kindergarten (first year of school enrolment) and Year 1. It provides challenging, interesting and stimulating activities to assist in the development of reading, writing, number and thinking skills. Research has shown that the early development of thinking skills leads later to more rapid progress in the learning of reading, writing and maths.
Only students seeking entry into Springboard Year 1 are required to sit an entry test. Spaces in Spingboard Pre-School and Kindergarten are allocated by order of registration and vacancies.
OC Exam Preparation (School Year 4)
Takes place in Semester 1 (Terms 1 and 2)
This programme specifically focuses on the limited requirements of the examination: reading, maths reasoning and thinking skills. Emphasis in the lessons leans towards exam technique, speed, accuracy, concentration and experience with multiple choice formats as well as providing practice in typical questions and sample tests. Our learning materials were instantly updated to cater for the new style of test as soon as sample papers were released.
Specific entry tests are in held in the term prior to the start of this course for those students in Year 3 at the time of testing. This programme runs in Term 1 & Term 2 only.
Selective Preparation Programme (School Year 5)
This programme specifically focuses on the exam requirements of Reading, Mathematical Reasoning, Thinking Skills and Writing. Our learning materials were instantly updated to cater for the new style of test as soon as sample papers were released. Emphasis in the lesson leans towards exam techniques, speed, accuracy, concentration and experience with multiple choice formats as well as providing practice in typical questions. The Swot Shop is about teaching and learning - not just question and answer,
Specific entry tests are held during Term 1 and only those students in Year 5 at the time of testing are eligible. This programme runs from Term 2 of Year 5 through to the middle of Term 1 of Year 6.