ACORN
Academic
Academy
“Inspiring high-order thinking, deep exploration and enrichment"
The Acorn Academic Academy is an accelerated learning program designed to extend and inspire high-achieving students. Commencing in 2026 for students in Year 7-9, this program will provide a faster pace of learning, deeper exploration of the curriculum, and enriched learning opportunities – all supported by strong pastoral care.
The Acorn Academic Academy is named to symbolise the idea that, like an acorn growing into a strong oak tree, our students’ talents, curiosity, and potential will flourish through challenge, support, and opportunities to excel.
This program has been designed for students who demonstrate high academic potential, a strong work ethic, and a passion for learning. The Acorn Academy classes will follow the Victorian Curriculum but at an increased pace, providing opportunities for deeper exploration, higher-order thinking, and enrichment activities. Students will be supported both academically and pastorally to ensure that they thrive in this challenging learning environment.
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Program Highlights
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Extended curriculum: allowing students to work on curriculum and skills at their point of need enabling better preparation for senior years​
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Enrichment opportunities: are provided for academy students such as guest speakers, national competitions, incursions and excursions
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Complex Competency Development: through our partnership with the University of Melbourne’s New Metrics, students will have the opportunity to develop and be awarded nationally-recognised competencies in Agency in Learning, Quality Thinking and Personal Development​
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Personalised Progress Checks: regular check-ins to ensure workload and challenge remain balanced.
Application Process
Successful applicants for the Acorn Academy Class will be selected based on multiple measures, including academic results, teacher recommendations, diagnostic assessments, and an interview. This process ensures that students are placed in the learning environment that best supports their needs and aspirations.
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Key Dates for 2025/2026 Intake
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August 2025: Applications open
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September 8: Applications close
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October 2025: Student diagnostic assessments and interviews conducted with short-listed applicants
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Late October 2025: Offers made and learning agreements signed.
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November 2025: Parent information session
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Term 1 2026: Program begins.
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How to Apply
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1. Complete the Application Form (applications open online on 25 August, 2025)
2. Complete/Provide scheduled assessment
3. Student attends an interview.
4. If offered a place, sign the learning agreement before Term 1 starts.​​​
Applications Open for the 2026 Acorn Academy on
25 August, 2025.
A link to the appliation form will be available here from that date. Applications close on Monday 8 September, 2025.
FAQs
What is the Acorn Academy Class?
It is a specialised learning pathway for high-achieving students in Years 7–9, designed to provide faster-paced learning, deeper curriculum exploration, and enrichment activities while maintaining strong pastoral care.
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Who is the program for?
Students who consistently demonstrate high academic performance, a strong work ethic, self-motivation, and a readiness to take on additional challenges.
How will students be selected?
Selection is based on a combination of:
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Academic data (e.g., NAPLAN, PAT, school reports)
- Students should be ‘Strong’ or ‘Exceeding’ in each proficiency in their NAPLAN
- Students should have a scale score of above 140 on PATM and PATR
- An average overall grade of B+ or higher or the equivalent for primary school reports (top 15% of cohort academically.
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Teacher recommendations
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School-based diagnostic assessments (literacy and numeracy)
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A short interview and learning disposition questionnaire
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Wellbeing checks to ensure suitability
What are the selection criteria?
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Agency in Learning
Demonstrates self-direction, takes ownership of learning goals, and shows initiative in exploring ideas beyond the standard curriculum.
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Quality Thinking
Engages deeply with complex ideas, analyses information critically, and applies creative approaches to problem-solving.
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Personal Development
Shows resilience, self-regulation, and adaptability, maintaining a growth mindset in the face of challenges.
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Acting Ethically
Makes responsible choices, demonstrates integrity, and consistently applies school values in academic and social contexts.
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Communication
Expresses ideas clearly in written, spoken, and creative forms, and listens actively to understand and build on others’ perspectives.
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Collaboration & Active Citizenship
Works effectively with peers, contributes to group success, and participates positively in the school community and wider society.
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Can my child join the Accelerated Class after Year 7?
Yes. While the program begins in Year 7, places may become available at the beginning of Year 8 or Year 9, and eligible students will be invited to apply.
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When can my child join the Acorn Academy?
Annual intake for the academy at each year level begins in September. If places become available in the academy mid-year, eligible students will be invited to apply.
​What will be different about the learning experience?
The pace of learning will be faster, with opportunities to explore concepts in greater depth. Students may engage in extension projects, enrichment excursions, and advanced topics earlier than in mainstream classes.
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Will this affect my child’s wellbeing?
Student wellbeing is central to the program. Teachers will monitor workload closely, and regular wellbeing check-ins will ensure students are managing the balance between challenge and wellbeing.
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Is this program only for academic subjects?
No. While the primary focus is on core subjects (English, Mathematics, Science, Humanities, Religious Education and Italian), students will also access creative and physical education opportunities, with enrichment woven into a broad curriculum.
Can my child be in other academies?
Yes, students can be involved in the Acorn Academic Academy and Sport and/or Art academy.
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Will students in the Academy Class be separated for all subjects?
At Year 7 and 8, the Acorn class will be together for every subject except HPE, which will allow for students to be part of the Sports Academy.
At Year 9, students in the Acorn class will be together for core subjects (English, Science, Maths, Humanities, Religion and Italian), and mixed with other students for all other classes.
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How does my child apply?
The application form will be available here on the school website and on Compass from August 25, 2025. Applications close 8 September 2025. Students can submit this form online, after which the school will contact families with assessment and interview details.
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How many Acorn classes will there be at each year level?
In 2026, there will be one Acorn class with approximately 25 students at each year level (Year 7-9). From 2026 onwards, the program may be extended to additional classes
What does this academy mean for students who remain in mainstream classes? How will this program affect their learning experience?
The learning activities and curriculum developed for students in the Academic Academy will be shared with teachers of the other classes. This enables any students working at a higher level to also be extended in their classroom setting.
If my child is accepted into the Acorn Academy in 2026, will they need to re-apply in following years?
Your child’s progress in the Academy will be carefully monitored throughout the year. At the end of each academic year, we will review their suitability to continue in the program. Students will not be required to reapply, provided they are consistently achieving excellent results and demonstrating ongoing growth in their learning.
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Who can I contact for more information?
Please email Rhys Leslie at rleslie@sje.vic.edu.au​​​​​​​​​
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