Year 7 2027 Ad Astra Program
Coordinators: Ms Lana Rhodes (Head Teacher CAPA) & Mrs Georgia Jones (Mathematics Teacher)
Albury High School's Ad Astra High Potential and Gifted Education Program
Introducing the Year 7, 2027, Ad Astra Program, designed for young people to explore and enhance their talents in High Potential and Gifted domains. Selection for this class will be conducted by an Ad Astra Program Panel, which will consider parent nominations, Ad Astra entry examination and student portfolios. Students in the Ad Astra Program will engage with the Stage 4 curriculum, accompanied by additional wellbeing and guidance programs complementing our whole school Pivotal Wellbeing approach. A key priority is the advancement of academic skills, supported by differentiated learning programs overseen by our Head Teachers and Year Advisors in consultation with the High Potential and Gifted Education Coordinators to foster student voice and excellence. Students selected for the Ad Astra Program are encouraged to participate in and challenge themselves through a wide range of extracurricular events and activities tailored to their talents. These may include public speaking, debating, external academic competitions, drama camps and sporting opportunities, among others.
Why is there an Ad Astra Program?
The Department of Education's High Potential and Gifted Education Policy promotes engagement and challenge across intellectual, creative, social-emotional and physical domains. It supports students to achieve their educational potential through talent development opportunities and differentiated teaching and learning practices. This program will provide opportunities for your child to develop their talents across the high potential domains.
Selection criteria used to determine class placement
- Parent nomination
- Ad Astra Entry Examinations
- Ability to work collaboratively or independently
- Well-developed literacy and numeracy skills
- Positive attitude to learning, including homework
- Strong academic performance across a range of subjects
- High level of self-motivation
How do I apply?
Step One: Parent nomination- Parents/Carers to complete an online application form. The link will be available on the school website once placements to Albury High School have been offered.
Step Two: Attend an entry examination at Albury High School, currently scheduled for Friday 15th May, 2026 at 9:15am. Nominated students parents/carers will receive an email confirming testing date and time.
Step Three: Invited students to attend interview with Ad Astra panel. During this interview students will need to bring their portfolio. Portfolio details and booking information will be emailed to selected students' parents/carers.
Step Four: Class placement offered.
2026 Timeline
Ad Astra entry examination. This will involve a general reasoning ability test lasting approximately 50 minutes. This test will be conducted at Albury High School, in our examination centre on Friday 15th May, students to arrive at 9am for a 9:15 am.
Nominated students parents/carers will receive an email confirming testing date and time.
Interviews offered to selected students.
Portfolio details and booking information will be emailed to selected students' parents/carers.
Help for your high potential child
If your child shows signs of high potential, contact us. We can share how our HPGE support can guide their learning journey.