Our newly established Aquinas High Potential Classes are designed to identify and support high-performing students from Year 5 to their HSC in Year 12.

Similar to Opportunity Class and Selective High School tests, all students starting at CBHS Lewisham in Years 5, 6, or 7 complete the Allwell Test during orientation. This academic placement test helps assess each student’s abilities, allowing us to tailor individual learning plans. Students who excel in the test, along with strong past reports or other independent assessments, may be offered a place in the Aquinas High Potential classes.

Current CBHS Lewisham students may also qualify for the Aquinas classes based on their performance from the previous year.

Students in these classes complete the core curriculum in a condensed format, creating opportunities for extension and enrichment activities. Higher-order learning strategies challenge and engage students, ensuring their academic needs are met. Additionally, academically gifted students participate in various co-curricular activities, including the Ethics Olympiad and ECHO.

Key elements of the Aquinas High Potential classes

• Aquinas classes undertake targeted assessments, with parents/carers receiving a dedicated Aquinas Report detailing their son’s progress at the end of Semesters 1 and 2.
• The classes focus on developing critical thinking, collaboration, academic writing skills and extending each student.
• Teachers use data to target student needs and monitor growth.
• Subject specific tasks that develop subject specific skills support students to access HSC advanced and extension courses.
• Aquinas students take part in external competitions for Science, Mathematics, Writing and STEM.
• Targeted Incursions specifically for Aquinas students in the areas of Robotics, STEM and Mathematics development.
• An annual Aquinas Showcase for parents/carers allows them to experience some of the learning opportunities the boys have experienced.

CBHS Lewisham also offers a bursary to senior students who wish to join our program who could not normally afford full tuition fees.