In 2007 Mountain Creek State High School introduced a new and innovative program called the Zenith program designed for academically-gifted students beginning Junior Secondary. The program allows bright, highly motivated students to be grouped together so they can be challenged and encouraged by their peers to work hard and continue to succeed in their studies.
The program is characterised by accelerated learning and the encouragement of students to study subjects in greater depth. Students in Zenith classes will develop rigorous study skills and a real capacity to perform academically. They will be involved in community service projects and enriching extracurricular activities. Such activities will include participating in an array of competitions across a number of faculty areas as well as a greater emphasis placed on reading novels.
The program has been developed to ensure that students who achieve academically at primary school remain engaged in their studies during Year 7. Research indicates that many high achieving students lose interest in their education between the ages of 12 and 15. This program will ensure that these students remain engaged, challenged and highly motivated during this period of their schooling.
Zenith students will be continually encouraged to think about their career aspirations and ensure their academic results remain strong. As such, they will have opportunities to hear about different career opportunities through guest speakers, university visits and a selection of career orientated computer programs.
When these students reach Year 10, 11 and 12 they will be well prepared to work at the higher level and at the faster pace that is expected of students in their senior studies. They will be well prepared to manage not only the quantity of work that needs to be covered, but also to meet the more rigorous intellectual demands expected of them.
Zenith program graduates will enrol in the Queensland studies authority, senior certificate program, in order to complete their secondary education and to gain tertiary entrance. These opportunities, combined with the unique international experience provided by the school, alows enormous opportunities for our students.
Catering for academically talented students in Year 7
What is the Zenith program?
A program for academically talented Junior Secondary School students to better meet their needs, ensuring they develop intellectually and to their full potential.
A program that allows bright and highly motivated students to be grouped together so they can be challenged and encouraged by their peers to work hard and continue to succeed in their studies.
A program where students may work at a higher level and at a faster pace and develop higher order thinking skills.
A program that will better prepare students for the more complex work they will encounter in their senior years of schooling.
Who should apply?
Current Year 6 students who are performing well academically and are highly motivated. Students with parents who fully endorse the Zenith Program.
Note: Young Scholars will not gain automatic entry into the Zenith Program. They will need to complete a Zenith application (available on the school website or from the school).
Where does the Zenith program lead to?
Within their senior schooling (Years 10, 11 and 12) students will have the opportunity to select Queensland Curriculum and Assessment Authority (QCAA) subjects.
What would students study within the Zenith program?
- Curriculum subjects may be covered in greater depth
- Emphasis on reading, writing on demand and higher order thinking skills
- Greater involvement in extra and co-curricular activities
- Emphasis on success in exams
- Involvement in national and international academic competitions
- Involvement in community service projects
- Study of foreign languages (Japanese/Spanish)
- Completion of study skills programs
- Involvement in career planning programs
Local, National and International focus
Mountain Creek State High School provides an International and World Class Secondary Education on the Sunshine Coast through:
- Young Scholars Program in Years 5 and 6
- Zenith Program in Year 7
- QCAA Program in Years 11 and 12
Is your child academically inclined?
Would you like your child to be grouped with like-minded students?
Would your child enjoy being involved in tasks that have a local, national and international focus?
Zenith applicants expression of interest
Potential applicants need to register an expression of interest and return it to Mountain Creek State High School no later than Friday, Week 1, Term 3.
Applications for the Zenith Program are available by clicking the below link or may be collected from the school.
Please attach copies only of certificates/reports etc. to this application. This application and attachments will not be returned to the student or available for later collection.
Please email, mail or deliver your expression of interest to:
Parent and student information evening
Monday 20th May, 2024
Performing Arts Building
Mountain Creek State High School