High Flyer Program

The Wellington Secondary College High Flyer Program provides students with access to challenging and engaging curriculum designed to prepare students for 21st century learning: critical thinking and problem solving; creativity; communication and collaboration, and metacognition.

Our holistic approach to student learning is guided by the principles of:

  • Mastery
  • Autonomy, and
  • Purpose

The High Flyer Program is a three-year program (Years 7-9) in core subjects which develops students’ ability to develop knowledge, skills and competencies which prepare them for their journey into the global community as self-actualised, lifelong learners.

In 2020 teachers of the Program will continue to focus on the explicit development of learning dispositions based on the works of Lee Crockett, Tony Wagner, George Couros and Carol Dweck.

Students’ educational experiences will empowered them to work beside and with their teachers and their peers, cooperatively and independently, using an innovative and growth mindset in a contemporary learning environment.

Years 7 and 8

  • Selected students will work together in a home group for core studies in English, Science, Humanities and Mathematics.  The curriculum and pedagogy for their subjects will focus on the development of higher order thinking, complex problem solving and creativity.
  • All students will study French or Chinese
  • The Mathematics Program at Wellington Secondary College caters for gifted Maths students. Students from the Wellington High Flyer Program will access appropriate levels of Maths study as indicated through testing.
  • All students will be expected to be involved in an instrumental music study and other co-curricular activities (Musical talent or ability or previous musical experience is not a prerequisite for selection). There will be a cost involved.
  • In order to provide a rich diversity of curriculum in Years 7 and 8, students will also undertake studies in Drama, PE, Health, the Arts and Technology.

Year 9

Students will continue core studies in their home group.  They will also choose elective subjects that focus on extension and preparation for an enhanced pathway to VCE and beyond.

Year 10 and VCE

These pathways could include :

  • An opportunity to begin their VCE study in Year 10 in a range of subjects
  • Additional VCE studies, taken over 3 years, to improve student ATAR (Australian Tertiary Admission Rank).
  • Tertiary enhancement (University) studies taken with VCE studies in the final year.

Pathways at this stage of the program will be determined by performance, teacher recommendations and parent/student choices.

Selection Process

Testing for Year 7 in 2021 has been postponed to Term 3 due to the COVID-19 restrictions. Registrations close on Friday August 14, 2020. The exam is held at Wellington Secondary College and we will publish the exam date here as soon as we know. This will include a general academic test and a short piece of written prose. Registrations for testing for the High Flyers Program must be completed online via the link below before the test date or additional fees may apply.

On the day of the High Flyer Program test students are to meet at the Junior School Centre in M Block, (follow the signs from the Eastern car park), Students are to arrive by 9.00 am on the day of testing. The exam will take place between 9am and 12noon.

Click here to join the High Flyer Program online today!

  • Follow the steps. (This process will include the payment and you will be informed by the Examination Provider of any further organisational details).
  • Shortlisting will take place as a result of this process.
  • Selection will consist of a panel interview led by the Principal to provide consideration of other supporting evidence such as primary school reports and teacher recommendations and personal interests.