Academic Extension Classes

As part of our ACE (Adjustment, Challenge and Enrichment) Pathways, students in our Academic Extension Classes work alongside their peers within the Opportunity Class program.

Students develop their potential across the intellectual, creative, social-emotional and physical domains, providing families with a clear public education pathway for high potential and gifted learners.

Vision Statement
What is an Academic Extension Class?
What to expect as a student in an Academic Extension Class
Application process
FAQs

Vision Statement

Brookvale Public School’s Academic Extension Classes provide high potential and gifted students with a challenging, supportive and carefully differentiated learning environment.

As part of ACE (Adjustment, Challenge and Enrichment) Pathways, these classes are designed for students who require significant academic challenge, greater depth and increased complexity in their learning. Through explicit teaching, high expectations and purposeful extension, students are supported to think critically, solve complex problems, engage in rich discussion and apply their learning in sophisticated ways.

The Academic Extension Classes balance academic rigour with wellbeing, collaboration and a growth mindset. Students are supported to take intellectual risks, pursue deeper understanding and develop the confidence and independence needed to thrive in a highly challenging learning environment.

Through these classes, we aim to develop confident, curious and responsible learners who achieve strong academic growth, contribute positively to their learning community and continue to access the broader opportunities available through ACE Pathways.

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What is an Academic Extension Class?

Launching in 2027, Brookvale Public School’s Academic Extension Classes are full-time classes for students entering Year 3, Year 4 and Year 5 who are ready for greater academic challenge. Applications are open to local and out-of-area students, with out-of-area enrolment applications considered in line with the NSW Department of Education enrolment policy and available enrolment capacity. Selected students will remain in an Academic Extension Class for the remainder of their primary schooling, unless they gain placement in an Opportunity Class for Year 5.

The Academic Extension Classes are designed for students who are curious, motivated and capable of working with more complex ideas. Students are challenged to think deeply, ask thoughtful questions, explain their reasoning and apply their learning in new and creative ways.

Students explore rich learning experiences across the curriculum, with opportunities to stretch their thinking, build confidence and work alongside like-minded peers who are also ready to be challenged.

Academic Extension Classes give students the opportunity to go deeper, aim higher and grow as confident, capable learners within the supportive environment of Brookvale Public School.

What to expect as a student in an Academic Extension Class

Students in the Academic Extension Classes can expect to be challenged, supported and engaged every day.

Across the school week, students will take part in rich learning experiences across all subjects. Lessons will be designed to stretch student thinking, build strong academic skills and provide opportunities to explore ideas in greater depth.

Students will work with an expert teacher who understands the learning needs of high potential and gifted students. Learning experiences will include carefully planned opportunities for challenge, complexity, choice, critical and creative thinking, problem solving and higher-order thinking.

Students can expect to:

learn in a full-time Academic Extension Class from Monday to Friday
engage in challenging learning across English, mathematics, science, history, geography, creative and performing arts and PDHPE
work with like-minded peers who are also ready for greater academic challenge
participate in group tasks, discussions and collaborative learning
build confidence in explaining their thinking, asking questions and taking intellectual risks
connect and work with HPGE students from local high schools
access enrichment and extension opportunities across the school year
connect with students across Brookvale's ACE (Adjustment, Challenge and Enrichment) Pathways through selected learning experiences, projects and enrichment opportunities
participate alongside mainstream classes in daily school experiences, including sport, camps, year group excursions, carnivals, assemblies and whole-school events

Students may also have opportunities to participate in:

APSMO competitions
Game Changer Challenge
public speaking and debating
interest-based clubs
inter-school programs and competitions
excursions and incursions, including programs such as G.A.T.E.W.A.Y.S
representative sport pathways and system-level enrichment opportunities
additional enrichment, extension and extra-curricular programs

The Academic Extension Classes are designed to be part of the broader Brookvale Public School community. Students will not be isolated from their year group or the wider school. They will learn in a dedicated Academic Extension Class while continuing to connect, collaborate and participate in the full life of the school.

Modern learning environments where students are challenged and extended .

Expert teachers offering support and challenge at each student's area of need.

Students develop their musical talents as members of the school band program.

Students express their creativity as members of our school dance ensemble.

Students participate in peer-supported learning opportunities.

Students work collaboratively as part of our weekly science program.

Coaching programs are offered as part of our school PSSA sporting teams.

Students from across the school participate in school organised sporting programs.

Application process

Who can apply?

Any students currently in Year 2, Year 3 or Year 4 in 2026 from all school sectors and areas are welcome to apply for entry into the 2027 Academic Extension Classes.

Out-of-area enrolment applications are considered in line with the NSW Department of Education enrolment policy and available enrolment capacity. Brookvale Public School currently has capacity to accept out-of-area enrolment applications.

Steps to apply

Complete the Academic Extension Classes Expression of Interest now by clicking the link provided. This expression of interest also allows students to be considered for Academic Enrichment Class placement where this is identified as the best-fit ACE Pathways option.
Complete a local or out-of-area enrolment application before Friday 18 September, if your child is not currently enrolled at Brookvale Public School.

If placement in the Academic Extension Class is determined to be an appropriate learning adjustment for your child, Brookvale Public School will finalise your enrolment application, in line with the NSW Department of Education enrolment policy, prior to offering your child a position in the class.
Provide supporting evidence to the school as outlined below.

Information evening

Parents and carers are strongly encouraged to attend the Academic Extension Classes information evening at Brookvale Public School on Wednesday 2 September 2026 at 5:30pm.

This session will provide families with important information about the program, the application process and what students can expect as part of the Academic Extension Classes.

Applications

Applications for the 2027 Academic Extension Classes are now open.

Applications close at 5:00pm on Thursday 17 September 2026.

How is entry determined?

Entry into the Academic Extension Classes is selective and based on a range of evidence. This includes a:

personal portfolio
parent questionnaire
student interview (if required)

This process is designed to give students the opportunity to demonstrate their strengths, interests, thinking and readiness for academic extension.

Students who apply for an Academic Extension Class may also be considered for placement in an Academic Enrichment Class. If the school determines that a student has demonstrated strong potential and would benefit from an Academic Enrichment placement, this may be offered as the best-fit ACE Pathways option for the student’s current achievement, learning behaviours, readiness for challenge and point of need.

Personal portfolio

The personal portfolio guidelines will be sent to families on Monday 21 September 2026. The portfolio must include:

the two most recent school reports (Semester 2 2025 and Semester 1 2026)
a student-written personal statement (1x A4 page, size 11 Arial font)
evidence to support application (3x A4 pages)

Final submissions are due by 5:00pm on Thursday 15 October 2026.

Parent questionnaire

The parent questionnaire will be sent to families on Monday 21 September 2026 and must be completed by 5:00pm on Thursday 15 October 2026.

Student interviews

Shortlisted students may be invited to attend an interview with Brookvale Public School staff to discuss their application.

Interviews will take place on Wednesday 28 October or Thursday 29 October 2026.

Placement offers and waitlist

Families will be contacted regarding the outcome of their child’s application by Friday 30 October 2026. Some students may be offered placement in an Academic Enrichment Class where this is determined to be the most appropriate ACE Pathways placement.

Initial round Academic Extension Class offers must be accepted by 5:00pm on Wednesday 4 November 2026.

Later round offers will commence following this date.

Placement offers and waitlisted students will be determined by Brookvale Public School's HPGE Panel. For privacy reasons, decisions on placement offers and waitlists cannot be discussed with families.

Joining the Brookvale Public School community

Brookvale Public School is an inclusive, welcoming and supportive school community. Local and out-of-area enrolment applications can be submitted via the links provided. Out-of-area enrolment applications are considered in line with NSW Department of Education enrolment policy and available enrolment capacity.

Academic Extension Classes Expression of Interest

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Frequently Asked Questions

What is the difference between Academic Extension and Academic Enrichment?

Academic Extension Classes are designed for students who require significant academic challenge, greater depth and increased complexity in their learning.

Academic Enrichment Classes are designed for students who demonstrate strong achievement or emerging academic potential and would benefit from additional challenge within the mainstream curriculum.

Both classes are part of ACE Pathways and provide students with learning environments matched to their strengths, needs and readiness for challenge.

If my child applies for Academic Extension, can they also be considered for Academic Enrichment?

Yes. Students who apply for an Academic Extension Class may also be considered for Academic Enrichment Class placement.

If the school determines that a student has demonstrated strong potential and would benefit from placement in an Academic Enrichment Class, this may be offered as the best-fit ACE Pathways placement for the student’s current achievement, learning behaviours, readiness for challenge and point of need.

Does placement in an Academic Extension Class guarantee entry into an Opportunity Class?

No. Academic Extension Class placement does not guarantee entry into an Opportunity Class.

Opportunity Class placement is managed separately by the NSW Department of Education’s Selective Education Team.

Will Academic Extension students work with the Opportunity Class?

Students in Academic Extension Classes may have opportunities to connect with students across ACE Pathways, including the Opportunity Class, through selected learning experiences, projects and enrichment opportunities where appropriate.

Will students still participate with their year group?

Yes. Students in Academic Extension Classes will remain connected to their year group and participate in normal school experiences, including sport, camps, year group excursions, carnivals, assemblies and whole-school events.

Can students move into an Academic Extension Class later?

Student placement is reviewed over time. If a place becomes available and a student demonstrates readiness for further challenge, movement into an Academic Extension Class may be considered.

Have a question for us?

Our friendly office team can help.

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