Lesmurdie
Extension and Acceleration Programme (LEAP)
updated 26 sept 2008
Formerly known as the Special Science / Mathematics Programme,
the Lesmurdie Extension and Acceleration Programme (LEAP) is
available to selected students in Years 8 to 10 who demonstrate
superior aptitude and ability in the areas of Science and Mathematics.
The LEAP programme provides an enriched learning
environment designed to extend and challenge each individual
to achieve his or her full potential. The LEAP programme is
recognised by the Department of Education & Training,
and is unique to Lesmurdie Senior High School. The benefits
of the programme become more fully realised when the participating
students enter upper school. As a result of their accelerated
and enriched lower school Science and Mathematics preparation,
these students attain very impressive levels of achievement
in the TEE. Typically, Lesmurdie’s TEE students achieving
Tertiary Entrance Rankings in the top 10% of the state have
participated in the Special Science & Mathematics Programme.
Many past students of the programme have completed or are
currently studying related courses in universities across
Australia. The programme is the major factor in the school
being recognised by the Department of Minerals and Energy
as one of the leading schools in WA whose graduates enter
tertiary courses in Mining, Technology, Engineering and other
related fields.
Students participating in the programme enjoy
the benefits of being taught by very experienced and enthusiastic
teachers who have proven competence in their respective fields.
In addition, they reap the advantages of associating and competing
with other very capable and highly motivated students. The
programme itself incorporates a wide range of practical activities,
complex problem solving, model making, excursions, field work,
individual & group research and presentations that nurture
the traits needed for one to excel in the Science and Mathematics
fields. Topics of study are carefully chosen to maximise the
students’ further-education opportunities and best prepare
them for the upper school and tertiary education courses that
are likely to be encountered in the future. The students are
encouraged to participate in various state and national extra-curricular
Mathematics and Science activities and competitions. Lesmurdie
Senior High School has a particularly impressive record of
very high levels of success in virtually all of these.
To ensure that all participants in the programme
have access to the best learning opportunities, just 32 placements
are made available at the entrance level (Year 8) each year.
Continuation in the programme in subsequent years will be
conditional upon the student maintaining high academic performance
and exemplary behaviour.
With the exception of competitions entered
and excursions attended, there are no extra programme-specific
fees levied. A special school uniform shirt that identifies
participation in the programme may be purchased if desired.
Selection of participants is based on the
individual’s aptitude and ability as indicated by standardized
testing and information provided by primary schools when applicable.
All students in the Lesmurdie Senior High School’s feeder
primary schools are tested for eligibility for the programme
and therefore need not apply. Out-of-area students
(students from non-feeder primary schools) may apply through
the LEAP Co-ordinator. These students
will be asked to sit a test at Lesmurdie Senior High School,
submit school reports and provide other evidence of high achievement
in Science and Mathematics.
See
also links to
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FEEDER
PRIMARY SCHOOLS: Definition
The following Primary Schools are feeder primary schools for Lesmurdie
Senior High School:
Falls Rd PS
Lesmurdie PS
Pickering Brook PS
Walliston PS
Wattle Grove PS
OUT OF
AREA STUDENTS: Definition
All
students who are not attending the Feeder Primary Schools for LSHS
are Out of Area students
PROCEDURE
FOR SELECTION TESTING FOR YEAR 8 PLACEMENTS IN 2010
Students
in Feeder Primary Schools:
> All students in Year 6 will be tested with the results available
to the Primary School for purposes of internal review and analysis
> Testing is preceded by a visit by a visit from a representative
of LEAP to introduce students to the programme and testing procedure
> Testing takes place at the primary school in normal class time,
supervised by a representative of LEAP and the classroom teacher
> Testing dates will be posted in the Calendar of Events 2008
when finalised for each school. Alternatively, please contact the
school for the proposed date.
> The test takes approximately one and a half hours and consists
of two parts:
A recognised standardised test of literacy, numeracy and non-verbal
concepts.
A mathematics / science problem solving test.
> Students who miss the test may sit it at a later date by arrangement
with the LEAP co-ordinator. (Refer to Selection Testing for Out
of Area students)
> The results become joint property of the LEAP programme and
the Primary School. Results will not be disclosed to parents by
LEAP.
Out of Area Students:
> Closing date for Application for Placement in the programme
in 2010 is 3.00 pm Friday October 31st 2008.
> Please enclose with your application a copy of the most recent
School Report, and evidence of participation in Science / Mathematical
activities (Extra-curricular and In-Class)
> The Application Form is available online.
> Testing will take place at Lesmurdie Senior High School on
Tuesday November 4th, commencing at 1.00pm, until approximately
2.30 pm.
> Please report to Reception at 12.55pm.
> During the test, parents are invited to join a guided tour
of the school.
> Students will need to bring2x2B lead pencils, sharpener, eraser,
ruler and a book to read for those who finish early.
> The test takes approximately one and a half hours and consists
of two parts:
A recognised standardised test of literacy, numeracy and non-verbal
concepts.
A mathematics / science problem solving test.
> Results of the test are the property of LEAP and will not be
disclosed. However, the student’s final rank will be released
on request.
> Students who miss the test due to unavoidable circumstances
may sit it at a later date by arrangement with the LEAP Co-ordinator.
OFFERS
OF PLACEMENT for 2010:
First round offers: Nov7 2008
Closing date for Acceptance of Offer of Placement of first round
offers: 3.00pm Friday Nov 21 2008
Second round offers: Nov 24 2008
Closing date for Acceptance of Offer of Placement of second round
offers: 3.00pm Friday June 20th 2008
Third round offers: June 30th 2008
Closing date for Acceptance of Offer of Placement of third round
offers: 3.00pm Friday Dec 5 2008
APPLICATION
FORM: The
application form for Out of Area students is available from the
LSHS Reception desk, on request from the LEAP Co-ordinator, or online
on this page or under Downloads
Students
from Feeder Primary Schools do not need an application form.
- Download
application form in Word format
Word
- Download
application form in PDF format
PDF
ACCEPTANCE
OF OFFER OF PLACEMENT:
Students receiving Offers of Placement for 2010 will receive an
Acceptance proforma with the formal offer. The Acceptance must be
returned to the LEAP Co-ordinator by the due date (See Offers of
Placement ) or the offer expires.
A
copy of the Acceptance form is available online on this page or
under Downloads to facilitate return to the LEAP Co-ordinator by
email.
- Download
acceptance form in Word format
Word
- Download
acceptance form in PDF format
PDF
WAITING
LIST:
Students who have achieved well in the selection testing, but miss
an offer of placement, will be offered positions on a Waiting List
soon after the tests. If placements in the LEAP class become vacant,
students on the waiting list will be offered the vacancies in turn.
INFORMATION
EVENING for Parents and Students entering Year 8 LEAP in 2009
An informal evening will be held in the school staffroom between 5.30
and 6.30 pm on Wednesday October 29th 2008. Light refreshments will
be served. Parents will:
-
have an opportunity to meet key personnel in the school
- get
an overview of the programme
- have
the opportunity to order the special LEAP Polo shirt
- view
the school uniform
- ask
questions
For
Parents and Students entering Year 8 LEAP in 2010: To be Announced
ENROLMENT
AT LESMURDIE SENIOR HIGH SCHOOL: An
Offer of Placement for 2009 or Acceptance of Offer of Placement
does not constitute enrolment at LSHS. Please contact school Reception
for formal enrolment procedures. Inform Reception that you have
accepted an offer of placement for Year 8 LEAP 2009. Enrolment for
Year 8 in 2010 will commence in 2009. Please contact the school
for further details.
CHANGES
TO THE SELECTION PROCESS FOR 2010:
Each year, the
Lesmurdie Senior High School LEAP programme routinely tests all
Year 7 students in the Feeder Primary Schools. The purpose of the
test is to identify those students who may have the necessary attributes
to gain selection to our (LEAP). Due to changes in the policy regarding
Gifted and Talented programmes, schools are now able to conduct
selection processes a year earlier. This means that selection processes
will be conducted with students in year 6, and parents/carers will
have now have greater flexibility to plan ahead for their children’s
secondary education.
Once successful
students have been identified, Lesmurdie SHS will consult with the
primary schools regarding standards of achievement at the Primary
Level, behaviour and level of commitment. Successful students will
be notified soon after the test with an Offer of Placement in the
LEAP programme. Upon returning an Acceptance of the offer of placement,
students are assured of that position in 2010. However, please note
that this is a once only offer to enter the programme directly from
Primary School.
Students who
have achieved well in the selection testing, but miss an offer of
placement, will be offered positions on a Waiting List soon after
the tests. If placements in LEAP become vacant, the students on
the waiting list will be offered the vacancies in turn. As above,
positions on the waiting list will only be offered on this one occasion.
Unsuccessful
students will NOT be notified, but Primary School Principals will
have copies of the lists if you wish to check the status of your
child.
ENTRY
TO THE PROGRAMME:
At the discretion of school administration, entry to the programme
in Year 8 is by selection for the first 28 to 30 places. The remaining
places are reserved for high achieving students identified during
the first term of Year 8 or for exceptional circumstances. This
is to ensure that the programme includes the students of the highest
ability. Students in the programme must continue to achieve at a
high level and conduct themselves in an appropriate manner at all
times in order to retain their position in the course in Year 9
and 10. Those who fail to do so will be replaced by other worthy
students.
There is no entry process for students in Year 9 or 10. Vacancies
are filled internally on merit.
SCHOLARSHIPS:
Scholarships will be awarded to the top five students entering LEAP
in 2010, as identified by the selection process. This entitles the
bearer to exemption from school fees for Year 8.
SCIENCE/MATHS
T-SHIRT:
A special Science/Maths T-shirt is an optional part of the Lesmurdie
SHS uniform for Years 8 to 10. The shirt is identical to the current
bottle green uniform shirt, differing in the addition of the words
Science/Maths on the collar. The shirt is the same price as normal
school t-shirts. Orders are placed once or twice a year as per demand.
The next order will be placed in November, with the shirts expected
to be available at the commencement of school next year. Please
contact the Co-ordinator or school Reception to place an order.
Orders can also be placed at the Information Evening.
LEAP
CO-ORDINATOR:
All
enquiries may be directed to the Lesmurdie Senior High School LEAP
Co-ordinator:
All Application and Acceptance forms are to be returned directly
to the LEAP Co-ordinator.
Miira
Gallegos
Lesmurdie
Senior High School
Reid Rd
Lesmurdie WA 6076
Phone:
92911233
Email:
leap@lesmurdie.wa.edu.au or
make an enquiry or comment
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