REACH

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Students are selected for this program prior to commencing Year 7 (Entry) and participate in an accelerated pathway that recognises their high potential as learners. REACH students progress through year level subject content at an accelerated pace, allowing for:

• Mastery of skills through additional practice and refinement

• Deepening of thinking through inquiry projects

• Enrichment activities that expose students to real-world problems and solutions.

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Working alongside like-minded peers and guided by skilled teachers, REACH students are encouraged to demonstrate commitment to their learning both inside and outside the classroom. They are supported to pursue leadership opportunities and engage in extra-curricular programs that reflect their passions, including sport, public speaking, and community engagement.

 

Here are just some of the programs our REACH students have access to:

• Swinburne Children’s University: This initiative supports high-ability students to extend themselves academically while building leadership and community service skills through real-world, enriched experiences beyond the classroom. Students earn hours in a ‘CU’ Passport and celebrate their achievements at a formal Uni graduation!

• Centre for Higher Education Studies (CHES): This initiative provides high-ability senior secondary students with opportunities to study first-year university-level subjects and select VCE subjects. The program acts as a bridge between secondary and tertiary education, offering programs through a flexible hybrid model with online and on-site options at a state-of-the-art facility. Students can earn university credits for successfully completed Higher Education Studies (HES), which can contribute to their ATAR and provide a head start in their future university studies. Of the 100 students that were selected recently across Victoria, Bundoora Secondary College had 17 students accepted into the program, which is a testament to the talent, dedication, and growth of our students here at BSC.

• University of Melbourne: Kwong Lee Dow Young Scholars Program and Emerging Leaders program

• Deakin University - The Accelerate Program is a Victorian Certificate of Education (VCE) extension studies program for high-achieving Year 12 students, allowing them to gain university credit by completing two first-year Deakin University units during their final year of school. The program offers flexibility by allowing students to study on campus at one of Deakin's four campuses or through its online platform, and it provides a university experience while potentially boosting their ATAR score and reducing future degree costs. 

• Alpine School of Leadership: The Alpine School of Leadership has been supporting students for over 20 years. They offer a state-wide residential program for Year 9 Government School students which enables them to grow into better citizens and leaders through increased self-awareness, social engagement, community connection and environmental stewardship. 

• Unique University partnerships with Latrobe University and RMIT providing authentic experiences in tertiary learning environments - offered to our Year 7 (Entry) students thorugh to Year 12 (Graduate).

• Many other extension opportunities including unique excursions, incursions, and mentorships.

 

For families, REACH is a symbol of the Bundoora spirit: we inspire curiosity, cultivate resilience, and help every student reach further than they thought possible.

 

If you are looking for a school that values academic excellence, innovation, and opportunity, then the REACH program at Bundoora Secondary College is designed for your child.

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Student Testimonials​

"I'm George, I'm part of the REACH Program, and I'm a student at BSC. I have really enjoyed this program, and it has helped me develop a deeper understanding of the base foundation subjects like Math and English. REACH stands for rigour, enrichment, acceleration, challenge & high ability. Inside REACH, there are many pathways and programs I'm part of, such as the CHES program (a Centre for Higher Education Studies) and the Swinburne Children's University, where you collect hours of community service and activities. These activities have highlighted success in myself and my peers. I came into the REACH program unsure of what it would offer for my academic endeavours, but now I realise that it's all up to you what you want to do. I have participated in Open Night as a REACH Program Ambassador, and have given tours of the school to younger years. If you join REACH, you'll experience a wonderful program where you improve your academic endeavours and spend time with your community."

George Harris - Entry (Yr 7)

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​​Parent Testimonials

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"CHES is an exciting and invaluable program that is going to make a huge difference for students at BSC. It has already had such a positive impact on my son and his friends who have also been accepted into the program.  From the utter delight of receiving his acceptance letter to the now-frequent – and sometimes heated – debates about their weekly topics on the drive home from his CHES class, the overall effect is transformative. He’s thinking more, engaging with contemporary and historical world events and questioning his sources with growing confidence (which can be annoying when his sources are his parents). There is a certain pleasure and energy that comes from understanding philosophical concepts and being able to apply them to real-world case studies, and it is amazing to see him experiencing that, in a community of like-minded people from all over Melbourne.  The teaching is excellent and has created a hype in our household about going to uni in future, and how much fun that is going to be. CHES and REACH are a perfect example of the BSC model of individualising education for each student to foster their particular talents and passions. The opportunity to participate gives academic kids the chance to extend themselves, to stretch their minds and experience the joy that can come from knowledge, deep learning and critical thinking. In the age of AI and the uncertain future, these skills have never been more important or valuable."

Mother - Anita La Pietra

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"Our daughters, Isobel and Diana Cunningham, have been fortunate to take part in both the REACH program and CHES this year. Over the past two years at Bundoora, they have embraced countless opportunities to extend their learning and develop leadership skills through programs such as CHES, Children’s University, serving as House Captains, and contributing to School Council. The REACH subjects they undertook at school provided a strong foundation for stepping into CHES, and have prepared them well for the challenge of beginning VCE studies early. They were very excited to apply for CHES and were absolutely thrilled to be accepted. Through the program, they are improving their critical thinking by exploring complex issues, questioning ideas, and learning about ethical frameworks. A recent offsite session was a particular highlight, giving them the chance to meet their teachers and peers face to face, hear from inspiring guest speakers, and build new connections. It has opened their eyes to the opportunities that exist at university and beyond. The school has also worked hard to ensure this advanced learning is well balanced, leaving space for extracurricular sporting activities and managing wellbeing.

As parents, we are so pleased that Bundoora has been able to support their aspirations and desire to excel, and we look forward to seeing how they continue to thrive through REACH program, CHES and their early VCE studies."

Parents - Katherine Clift and Stuart Cunningham