Student Excellence Program

Programs for High-Ability Students

At Moonee Ponds Primary, we recognise that some students are ready for more. Through a range of Department of Education initiatives, we work to identify and support our high-ability learners, ensuring they are challenged, engaged, and given every opportunity to reach their full potential. The program draws on two key Department of Education initiatives: the Victorian High Ability Program (VHAP) and the Victorian Challenge and Enrichment Series (VCES).

Victorian High Ability Program (VHAP)

VHAP offers selected Year 5 and 6 students the opportunity to participate in a 10-week online enrichment program in English and Mathematics, delivered by Virtual School Victoria. Rather than accelerating through the curriculum, the program focuses on deepening critical thinking, problem solving, and creativity. Students are selected based on NAPLAN performance and teacher judgement data, and parents are notified directly if their child is selected.

Victorian Challenge and Enrichment Series (VCES)

The VCES provides high-ability students from Prep to Year 6 with access to free, high-quality extension activities across all areas of the curriculum. Delivered by leading education organisations, universities, and specialist centres, activities are available in person and online, and run during and outside school hours. Our school nominates students based on their abilities and interests.

For more information, our Student Wellbeing and Engagement and Gifted and Talented policies are available on our Policy page, accessible from the footer or gateway below.