Year 7 2025 SEALP Information Evening
Are you interested in the Select Entry Accelerated Learning Program for your year 7 next year?
If you didn’t make it to our information evening you can find out more information below or call the school on 5633 1733 for an information pack
Please download the SEAL Handbook here: SEAL Handbook 2024
Trafalgar High School is reducing the risk of COVID-19. We ask that you adhere to social distancing guidelines, sanitise your hands before entering the venue and wear a mask when indoors. If you are experiencing any symptoms of the virus please don’t attend the information night, we will be more than happy to send you an information pack in the mail.
What is SEAL?
The SELECT ENTRY ACCELERATED LEARNING (SEAL) Program is designed to cater for gifted, talented and high-achieving students. It operates on the principles of Curriculum Acceleration and Enrichment. Trafalgar High School is the only accredited secondary school to provide the SEAL program in West Gippsland and the Latrobe Valley.
The first of these – Curriculum Acceleration - enables students to commence areas of work earlier and/or move through areas of work more quickly. The result of this approach is to provide a more challenging learning environment for students to enable them to complete their six years of secondary schooling in five. Most SEAL students choose to complete a six-year program which involves the study of a greater number and range of VCE units, including tertiary studies while at school. This can assist with achieving higher ATAR scores and some course entry requirements.
The second of these – Curriculum Enrichment – encourages the study of more complex and abstract concepts in class, whilst providing a greater emphasis on higher order thinking skills such as analysing, synthesising, generalising, and recognising relationships. Students are actively encouraged to develop investigative, problem solving and creative thinking skills to challenge and engage them, and to provide an excellent foundation for further studies.
Each SEAL group is an autonomous class for the first three years of their secondary schooling, receiving a purpose designed and delivered curriculum program.
The Academy of Accredited Schools
In 2014 the Victorian Academy of SEAL Schools was created after DET discontinued the accreditation process for all accelerated or high achieving programs in Victorian schools. Trafalgar High School was one of only two SEAL schools in Victoria that had undergone voluntary external accreditation in the period that it has run the SEAL Program.
The Academy consists of 39 SEAL schools across Victoria and provides a range of learning and support opportunities for both students and teachers in the SEAL Program. Examples of student activities provided by the academy include: Science and Technology Inquiry days at the University of Melbourne, Genetics Learning activities at University High School, Robotics Technology Investigation at Box Hill High School, Broadening Horizons and a range of professional development activities for teachers to support their students on these days.
As a regional/rural school, Trafalgar High School is an active member of the academy and seeks to take advantage of all the learning opportunities that are provided.
Who is the program designed for?
The SEAL Program suits students who want to be challenged and who are strong across all academic learning areas. It is both rewarding and demanding, with a high expectation which does include greater classroom workload in the early years of their secondary schooling. Accelerated learning is not appropriate for all students.
Selection for the Program
- Written application which includes student and parent questionnaires, school reports and academic achievement results. Written applications are to be submitted to the Trafalgar High School General Office before May 17th 2024.
- A writing portfolio (a short handwritten creative story or persuasive piece).
- A short letter of recommendation from the applicant’s Grade 6 teacher that confirms that the student’s attitude to learning, ability to cooperate with others and behaviour in the classroom meet the expectations of a student in a select entry accelerated program.
- Shortlisted applicants will sit a test that covers three areas: general aptitude, mathematical ability, writing & reading comprehension. Testing will occur on the 26th and 29th July 2024.
- An interview with the student and parents. Interviews will be held in August 2024.
The Structure of the Program
Outlined below is the structure of the SEAL Program. SEAL students have sufficient units of VCE to complete their secondary education in five years rather than six, due to the curriculum compaction that is a feature of the course. However, students are encouraged to take the full six years so that they can complete a much broader range of VCE subjects.
SEAL students will remain together as a group for all their subjects in the first three years, years 7, 8 and 9, as well as for most of their studies in Year 10.
- In years 7, 8 and 9, students remain as a single home group. They are given a broad range of studies under the banners of English, Maths, Science, Humanities, Arts, Technology, LOTE and PASE.
- In Year 10, students undertake two subjects at VCE Units 1 and 2 levels.
- In Year 11, students select two subjects at VCE Units 3 and 4 levels.
- In Year 12, students complete four subjects at VCE Units 3 and 4 levels, as well as having the opportunity to take part in the University Enhancement Program.
Expectations of Students
Students who gain entry to the SEAL Program will be expected to make a genuine commitment to all subjects. They will be expected to work hard, always try their best, actively seek help if they are experiencing difficulties and demonstrate cooperation and respect towards both teachers and fellow students. Inappropriate behaviours will certainly lead to a review of their progress and may jeopardise a student’s placement in the program.
There are high expectations for all Trafalgar High School students to complete all class work and homework. SEAL students invest both time and effort in volume and depth of studies undertaken. Teachers and parents/guardians monitor this so that students maintain a balance.
Further Enrichment Opportunities
Trafalgar High School offers a range of enrichment opportunities for students, and we would particularly encourage SEAL students to take advantage of these. Involvement in a range of national competitions which develop and test the academic knowledge and skills of students are a requirement of the program. These competitions include the UNSW English, Mathematics and Science competitions.
Students accepting a position in the SEAL Program will have access to numerous curriculum enrichment opportunities as well as being encouraged to participate in extra-curricular activities involving the performing arts, sport and student leadership.
Student Performance and Sustainability
The progress and performance of all Trafalgar High students is monitored on a regular basis. Formal Reports are completed each term with parent/teacher interviews being conducted first and third term. Should any issues arise, meetings between teachers, parents and student would be arranged.
The SEAL Program is designed for high-ability students with a strong commitment to learning. It must be remembered that placement in SEAL is a privilege and not a right. Continued strong academic performance is necessary for students to remain in the program.
If you would like to enquire about enrolling your child into the SEAL program throughout the year, please contact the SEAL Co-Ordinator Ms. Amanda McQualter during school hours on 5633 1733. Or contact via email at: generaloffice@trafalgarhs.vic.edu.au
