What is Aspire? 

Aspire is an accelerated educational enrichment program for Caroline Chisholm Catholic College students in Years 7–9. It is designed for students
with exceptional academic abilities and a strong work ethic who are ready to be challenged.

Through Aspire, students progress through the core curriculum at a faster pace and explore selected topics in greater depth. The program applies to
all core subjects and some electives, with many students working six to twelve months ahead of year level.

Aspire runs from Years 7 to 9, prior to students commencing VCE. Aspire classes complete core subjects together, and join the wider student body
for electives, reflection days, excursions and whole College events.

Students in Aspire are expected to maintain results that reflect their capabilities, along with consistently high standards of learning behaviour.

How do I apply for Aspire? 

All successful Year 7 enrolments undertake compulsory academic testing during Grade 6. Based on these results, the College identifies suitable
candidates for Aspire.

Entry to Aspire is by invitation only. Approximately 40 girls and 40 boys are initially nominated to apply, based on testing performance. Applications are reviewed and around 25 girls and 25 boys are ultimately selected for the program.

How Aspire students learn?

Aspire students engage in learning experiences that emphasise:

• Investigation, inquiry and higher-order thinking

• Authentic, real-world tasks and problem solving

• Links with external stakeholders and networking opportunities

• Team teaching and collaborative learning

• Development of critical thinking, creativity and collaboration skills

• Peer assessment

• Participation in external competitions and enrichment experiences

Tasks in Aspire subjects are designed with a crosscurricular focus, encouraging students to apply their learning to real-world issues. A major feature of the program is their sustainability projects: students design an innovative product or service, develop marketing materials, produce a prototype, create a budget plan, and present their proposal to peers and teachers. This interdisciplinary project demonstrates how classroom learning connects to a wide range of future careers and real-life applications.