Students are selected for entry into this program on the basis of performance in an ACER (Australian Council of Educational Research) assessment.

The assessment is in four parts. There is an assessment of Mathematical ability, Writing, Comprehension and an Abstract Reasoning test.

When the results come back from ACER students are invited to an interview on the basis of their ranking in the test.

The interview is held at the school that student wishes to attend, as indicated on the Expression of Interest for Entrance to the Ignite program.

Download the
"Expression of Interest for Entrance" form

The majority of students enter the Ignite program at the completion of year 7. They start the Ignite program in year 8.

There are many children who have completed the primary school curriculum by end of year 6 by either working in hybrid 6/7 classes in primary school or skipping a grade. They may sit the selection test in year 6 and be offered a place in the year 8 Ignite Program.*If the selection panel believes that the student has scored exceptional results that indicate the student requires radical acceleration. The panel must also be convinced that entering year 8 from year 6 will benifit the social and emotional development of the student. These decisions are usually made in conjunction with parent, student and input from the feeder primary school.

Year 6 students who do not gain entry may take the test again the following year.

Characteristically, an extra year's maturity results in marked increase in test scores. Students who are offered a place in year 6 but defer are not obliged to retake the test the following year however it may be recommended that they do resit.

Sometimes a mentor at the Ignite school may support the younger student in primary school with an extended program in particular subjects.

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