Lesmurdie Enrichment and Acceleration Program (L.E.A.P.)

Applications for LEAP 2024 have closed and unfortunately

late applications can not be accepted.

The Lesmurdie Enrichment and Acceleration Program (LEAP) is available to selected students across the state, entering Year 7, in the following year, who demonstrate superior aptitude and ability in the areas of Mathematics and Science.

View our Powerpoint on the Lesmurdie Enrichment and Acceleration Program

LEAP 2024

A Parent Information video will be available on our website from

5.00pm Tuesday 21 February, 2023.

Parent Information

LEAP is a specialist program recognised by the Department of Education which provides an enriched learning environment designed to extend and challenge each individual to achieve his or her full potential. LEAP aims to challenge students with enriched learning opportunities through extension and acceleration, encouraging high levels of thinking through a stimulating learning environment. Enriched learning opportunities such as the broadening of the curriculum to develop knowledge, application and higher order/critical thinking skills are combined with extension involving the deepening of students’ knowledge, understanding and skills. Students are engaged in self-directed thinking that produces new and innovative ideas and solves problems; reflecting critically on learning experiences and processes.  Students are in a LEAP cohort for mathematics and science studies. In Year 8 Engineering studies is a compulsory subject for all LEAP students. In combination these subjects engage and extend our LEAP students to be competitive for successful study options post school.

Students participating in the program enjoy the benefits of being taught by enthusiastic teachers who utilise research based practices to meet the individual needs of our young scientists and mathematicians. In addition, they reap the advantages of associating and competing with other very capable and highly motivated students. The program itself incorporates a wide range of practical activities, complex problem-solving, model making, excursions, field work, individual and group research and presentations that build on the traits needed to excel in the Mathematics and Science fields. Topics of study are carefully chosen to maximise the students’ educational opportunities and best prepare them for the Senior 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 extracurricular activities and competitions in which Lesmurdie Senior High School has an impressive record of success. Students in Year 10 may have the opportunity to engage in study trips, using their theoretical knowledge in real world situations.

As a result of their accelerated and enriched Lower School Mathematics and Science preparation, these students attain impressive levels of achievement in the WACE exams. Many students from the program enter tertiary courses in Mining, Technology, Engineering and other related fields in universities across Australia. The LEAP program is a major factor in Lesmurdie Senior High School being recognised as a significant contributor to undergraduates in these fields.

To ensure that all participants in the program have access to the best learning opportunities, a maximum of 32 placements are made at the entrance level (Year 7) each year. Continuation in the program is conditional upon the student maintaining high academic performance and exemplary behaviour at all times.

Selection of participants is conducted during Year 6 and is based on the individual’s aptitude and ability as indicated by standardised testing. NAPLAN and reports may be considered in this process.

Testing is limited to those students who have submitted an application.

ENTRY TO THE PROGRAM

Between 28 and 32 students are offered places in the program thus ensuring that the program includes students of the highest ability.  Local Intake and Out of Area students are encouraged to apply.

Important dates for Year 7 LEAP 2024

APPLICATION FOR TESTING    

Applications for testing are available on the website from Monday 20 February. Applications close on Tuesday 14 March.

Testing is limited to those students who have submitted the application.

THE SELECTION PROCESS

The Selection Process consists of three phases:

Phase 1: Selection Test 

Saturday 25 March 2023

9.00 – 10.30am or 11.30 – 1.00pm

The test takes approximately one and a half hours and consists of a recognised, standardised test of literacy, numeracy and non-verbal concepts.

Phase 2: Selection Panel

Heads of Mathematics and Science Learning Areas and the LEAP Coordinator assess and select successful students. In assessing a student’s suitability for the LEAP program, primary schools may be contacted to complete a confidential report regarding the student’s report data including behaviour and level of commitment. Interviews may also be held.

Phase 3: Offer of Placement

Successful Students

A formal Offer of Placement will be emailed to successful students on Monday 1 May, 2023. The Acceptance of the Offer of Placement must be returned via email to samantha.sharman@education.wa.edu.au at Lesmurdie Senior High School by Wednesday 24 May, 2023 to be assured of a place in Year 7 LEAP in 2024. Round 2 offers will be sent on Thursday 25 May, 2023 and acceptances for Round 2 offers close Tuesday 6 June, 2023.

Unsuccessful students

Students who are not successful will be notified by email.

SCHOLARSHIPS

Two scholarships valued at $250.00 will be awarded.

One scholarship will be offered to the top ranked student.

The second scholarship will be available via application. Applications open on Monday 26 June, 2023 and close Wednesday 26 July 2023. Applications for the scholarships will only be accepted between these dates. Interviews for the Scholarship will take place on Wednesday 9 August, 2023.

The LEAP Year 10 Graduation and incoming Year 7 Pin Ceremony will take place on Wednesday 18 October, 2023.

CONTACT

All enquiries may be directed to the LEAP Coordinator on 9291 1200.

This pathway plan for LEAP students is relevant to Maths and Science subjects only.

LEAP: Lesmurdie Enrichment and Acceleration program

SBAE: School Based Academic Extension class