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
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.
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. Students who have an enrolment at Brookvale Public School are able to be considered for this opportunity; out of area enrolments will be addressed in line with the Department of Education's enrolment policy.
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.
Expression of Interest process
Who can express interest?
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.
Next steps
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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.
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Complete a local or out-of-area enrolment application before Friday 18 September, if your child is not currently enrolled at Brookvale Public School.
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.
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 enrolment process and what students can expect as part of the Academic Extension Classes.
Joining the Brookvale Public School community
Families who have completed an expression of interest and local/out-of-area application prior to Friday 18th September 2026 will be contacted with the next steps in the process.
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.
Frequently Asked Questions
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.
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.
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.