Academic Extension

SOAR – Accelerated Learning and Enrichment Program

St John’s has established a tradition of forward and innovative thinking in creating the optimum learning environment to support exceptional student achievement. The SOAR program is an initiative of St John’s Personal Learning and Success Enterprise.

Middle and Senior School SOAR Program

St John’s SOAR program aims to empower students with exceptional academic ability and motivation, through opportunities to access curriculum enrichment and acceleration. Students are challenged and extended academically through subject timeline customisation, enriching their St John’s educational journey through a targeted pedagogical experience. Having commenced in 2021, the SOAR Program was initially offered for English and Mathematics subjects however in 2023, the SOAR Program was extended to include a Science Program.  Further SOAR Program opportunities may also be provided in selected elective subjects during the academic year.

Subject Overview

Applicants can apply for either SOAR English, SOAR Mathematics or SOAR Science or a combination of the following subjects:

SOAR English – Years 7 to 12

SOAR English students accelerate through the Australian Curriculum and in some cases, commencing the Senior Phase ahead of their cohort is appropriate. It is highly likely that SOAR English students will opt to study Literature as part of the senior subject pathway.

SOAR Mathematics – Years 7, 8 and 9

SOAR Mathematics students will have both acceleration and enrichment through the Australian Curriculum Year 7, 8 and 9.  Students in SOAR Mathematics, will most likely transition into Mathematical Methods in Year 10 and continue this subject in their senior phase.

SOAR Science – Years 7, 9 and 10

SOAR Science aims to empower students with exceptional passion, ability, and motivation for Science, and those that perhaps foresee themselves entering a future carer in this area. They will have opportunities to access curriculum acceleration and enhancement of and through the Australian Curriculum ahead of their cohort.  The program will be coupled with the Senior General Subject Chemistry which they may commence ahead of their cohort.  Therefore, it is required that students give careful consideration to applying for this program.

Students offered a placement in a Year 7 SOAR program are not required to re-apply each year.

Benefits of the SOAR Program

• Accelerated progression through the curriculum with fewer repetitions of course content
• Opportunities to engage in comprehensive pedagogical experiences with like-minded scholars
• Fostering collaborative skills in problem-solving, critical and creative thinking, and self-reflection
• Cultivation of a rigorous enquiry and investigation framework, stimulating independent curiosity, interest and thought
• The opportunity for engagement in a bespoke, personalised program as outlined below

Bespoke, Personalised Programs

Students will have the opportunity in their senior phase to engage in bespoke personalised programs that are aligned with their future ambitions and are responsive to their individual needs and interests. This may include:

• Opportunity to enrol in a variety of extension subjects such as English & Literature Extension, Music and/or Chinese Extension
• Completion of Tertiary Study modules affiliated with specific areas of interest with university mentorship
• Personalised study experiences targeted towards preparation for programs including UCAT
• Opportunities for engagement in internships, research projects and ‘Master Class’ scenarios

Application Process

Current and enrolled St John’s students in Years 7, 9 and 10 only can apply for a place in SOAR English, SOAR Mathematics and/or SOAR Science (Years 7, 9 and 10 only), and are required to submit:

• A completed SOAR application form
• Supporting documents

Selection Process

The selection process is holistic and will include a review of:

• Student’s latest academic results
• Testing results from NAPLAN, PAT and ICAS
• Student’s intrinsic motivation, ability to engage in abstract, complex, logical and insightful thought as well as their demonstrated commitment to academic success
• Teacher feedback and observations

Requirements of the SOAR Program

• Standardised testing and/or an interview may be required
• Students are expected to maintain a high academic standard of an A or B in all SOAR subjects
• Academic monitoring will occur each semester and an action plan will be initiated if required
• Students that are successful in SOAR programs may have some subject/elective restrictions

Junior School SOAR Program

St John’s SOAR Program aims to empower students in Years 5 and 6 with exceptional academic ability and motivations, through opportunities to access curriculum enrichment. Students will be challenged and extended academically, enriching their St John’s educational journey through a targeted pedagogical experience. The Junior SOAR Program is offered to Year 5 and 6 students for English and Mathematics subjects, one lesson per week.  Further SOAR Program opportunities may also be provided in selected subjects during the academic year.

Students can apply for one or both of the following programs:

• Junior School SOAR English – Years 5 and 6
• Junior School SOAR Mathematics – Years 5 and 6

Application Process

Current St john’s students in Years 5 and 6 can apply for a place in SOAR English and/or SOAR Mathematics and are required to submit:

• A completed SOAR application
• Supporting documents

 Selection Process

The selection process is holistic and will include:

• a review of academic and NAPLAN results
• Student’s intrinsic motivation, ability to engage in abstract, complex, logical and insightful thought as well as their demonstrated commitment to academic success
• Teacher feedback and observations

Requirements of the SOAR Program:

• Applicants can apply for either SOAR English or SOAR Mathematics or both subjects
• Students are expected to maintain a high academic standard of an A or a B in all SOAR subjects
• Students are expected to demonstrate dedicated effort and sustained commitment to improving academic performance
• Academic monitoring will occur each semester and an action plan will be initiated if required
• Students in Junior SOAR English are expected to represent the College in the Reader’s Cup