Middle Years Academic Extension Programs
The Academic Extension Program offers high achieving students in Years 7-9, dedicated classes that support them as they pursue greater depth and breadth in their key learning areas, and aspire to excellence. Academic extension classes offer a faster pace of study to enable students to focus on extending, refining and using knowledge meaningfully through the development of higher-order thinking skills.
While all students require challenges, students in the Academic Extension Program work with like-minded peers and access extension activities that unpack the Australian Curriculum at a more sophisticated level. Within the classroom context, students are encouraged in their creative and divergent thinking and take part in complex individual and collaborative problem-solving. The Academic Extension Program acknowledges the need for differentiated curriculum and learning opportunities for high-achieving students and provides a positive, challenging, and supportive classroom environment in order to achieve this.
Students are required to sit an entrance exam to be considered for placement in this program. For further information please contact the College.
Future Minds Program
The Future Minds Program is a unique opportunity for selected Year 9 students who demonstrate high academic achievement and a passion for deeper learning. This program offers meaningful extension experiences by combining the strengths of Humanities and STEM, allowing students to explore ideas at the intersection of creativity, critical thinking, and innovation.
Guided by their own interests and talents, students take on future-focused challenges that build both practical skills and broader awareness of global issues. The program promotes inquiry, experimentation, and problem-solving—empowering students to think independently and act with purpose.
Previous student-led projects have included:
- Designing sustainable housing solutions
- Building and racing solar-powered cars
- Using robotics and coding to address real-world problems
- Applying drone technology to support environmental sustainability
- Investigating the future of food and sustainable agriculture
- Writing historical fiction narratives grounded in research
- Competing in interschool STEM and engineering challenges
Senior Years Academic Extension Programs
Our goal at the College is to provide opportunities to enrich and enhance students' learning and support their holistic growth and development. To this end, we offer many extension programs, groups, and clubs that students can self-select depending on their educational interests and strengths. Readers Cup, Premiers Reading Challenge, writing competitions, and STEM challenges and competitions are open for students.
Becoming M.O.R.E Mentor ProgramAvailable to Year 11 students through a selective application process, Becoming M.O.R.E. is a dynamic mentoring program designed to bridge the gap between education and future careers. This innovative initiative connects students with qualified industry professionals who serve as role models and mentors, offering first-hand insight into the pathways students are passionate about pursuing beyond high school and university.
Through regular mentoring sessions, students engage in meaningful professional dialogue, gain industry knowledge, and explore real-world career opportunities in their chosen fields. These connections allow participants to deepen their understanding, grow their confidence, and begin building a valuable professional network.
The program culminates in a celebratory awards and presentation evening, where students share their experiences and insights with peers, teachers, and mentors. With a proud history of inspiring and empowering young people, Becoming M.O.R.E. has helped many past participants take bold steps towards their dream careers. It continues to play a key role in supporting students to become confident, career-ready, and future-focused.
Leadership and Development ProgramsWe offer a range of programs for students to enhance their leadership skills, including Middle School Leaders, College Representative Council, Peer Support
Leaders, Senior Leaders the Griffith University STEM Ambassadors Program and a variety of other subject-specific opportunities throughout the year.
Enhanced University ProgramsStudents in Year 11 and 12 can participate in enhanced university programs such as GUESTS for Griffith and START QUT. Our College has a variety of partnerships with Queensland tertiary institutions and provides the opportunity for students to connect with these organisations through our Careers Pathways Program that is offered to both the Middle and Senior Years.
© BCE/St Thomas More College/2025.