^{QUEST Academic}

What is the QUEST Academic Program?

The QUEST Academic Program offers students from year 7 – 9 the chance to work in classes which are structured for highly motivated and talented students with above average ability, who are able and willing to work in an academically challenging environment. Students will demonstrate their ability to work both independently and in productive partnerships. Teachers of QUEST Academic classes can challenge students with work in greater depth, and with enrichment and extension activities both in class and through extracurricular activities.

For the most up-to-date information on the QUEST Academic program please see the QUEST site..

How is the QUEST Academic Program unique?

Students in the QUEST Academic Program are placed in ability-streamed classes in English, Mathematics, Sciences, and Humanities and Social Sciences (HaSS). QUEST Academic students are strongly encouraged to participate in academic competitions and extracurricular opportunities. The Quest Academic Program is excellent preparation for developing higher order thinking skills in readiness for students’ college years and beyond.

Who is the QUEST Academic Program for?

Students who are accepted into the QUEST Academic Program will have demonstrated a high standard of academic achievement in primary school and a willingness to work consistently at a high level. It is assumed that parents or guardians will actively support students in the QUEST Academic Program.

How does a student gain entry to the QUEST Academic Program?

Consistent with the ACTETD Gifted and Talented Student Policy, a transparent, ethical process using multiple criteria and tools appropriate to the MCSS community and population will be used to identify students for the QUEST Academic Program. The process for a student to be considered for the Quest Academic program with include the following:

• Completion and submission of the application.
• Provision of evidence including NAPLAN, PAT or alternate cognitive ability testing data, school reports and academic achievement awards.
• Information from primary school teachers about the suitability of a student for the MCSS QUEST Academic Program.

Please note that entry into the program for each subject will be assessed independently. A student may be in the Quest Academic class for 1 – 4 subjects.

Expectations

Students who are successful in being accepted into the QUEST Academic Program will be expected to maintain the following standards:
Academic achievement of at least a B average for their QUEST Academic subjects.
Exhibit high levels of engagement in QUEST classes.
Display high behavioural standards, respecting other students' right to learn.
Participating fully in extracurricular aspects of the QUEST Academic program.

Formation of Classes

QUEST Academic classes are formed from students selected by this process. Eligible students who cannot be placed in the classes because of lack of room will be placed on a short list and may be offered places throughout the semester. Priority is given to students in the MCSS Priority Placement Area (including Northern NSW Region students).

Ongoing Participation

In the interests of maintaining the academic quality of the program, and to ensure equality is prioritised, students will be required to reapply for their position in the QUEST Academic program at the end of each semester. Students in mainstream classes are encouraged to apply each semester and all applicants will be assessed on the same criteria. Students who have problems coping with the Quest Academic environment are advised of ways to perform more successfully. If they are still unable to benefit from and contribute to the QUEST Academic class, they may be placed in other classes where they will be able to achieve more success.