Zenith Program – Years 8 & 9

In 2007 Mountain Creek State High School introduced a new and innovative program called the “Zenith” Program designed for academically-gifted students in Years 8 and 9.  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 Years 8 and 9.  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 have the option of enrolling in either the International Baccalaureate Diploma Program or 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, allows enormous opportunities for our students.

Focus Group Program

Our Focus Group Program has been structured to cater for students who have needed extra support throughout primary school and/or are struggling to achieve good results in Year 8. Hence, the aim of our Focus Group Program is to give students every chance of achieving success in their Middle Years of schooling.

Placement of a student into a focus group has the intention of enhancing their numeracy and literacy skills, continuing to develop their social skills, and beginning the journey towards a successful career for when the time comes to leave school. Such classes will have approximately 15 students in them compared to other classes that have up to 28 students.

Focus Group students will have the opportunity to study any subjects in Year 9.  However, the level of the core subjects (Maths, English, Science, SOSE, HPE) will be aimed at the ability of the student.

International Baccalaureate Diploma - Years 10, 11 and 12

The International Baccalaureate Diploma Program was introduced into Year 11 in 2005.

The International Baccalaureate Diploma Program is a highly regarded yet demanding two-year pre-university course leading to examinations. It is for highly motivated students in years 11 and 12 and is designed to equip students with the skills and attitudes necessary for success in higher education and employment.

There is significant evidence available to suggest that the IB Diploma Program better prepares young people for university study. It is highly regarded by universities worldwide who often provide IB graduates with substantial credit toward tertiary entrance. In addition, many universities including University of Queensland, Griffith University and QUT, give students advanced standing because of the rigour associated with the IB Diploma Program. 

The IB Diploma Program is currently offered in some of Australia’s most highly regarded and prestigious schools. It not only provides students with an enhanced academic focus but also provides a curriculum with an “international” perspective. The introduction of the IB Diploma Program in 2005 was an opportunity for Mountain Creek High School, as “our local high school”, to offer a world class program for our academically focussed students.

The IB Diploma Program will be studied in place of the mainstream Queensland Studies Authority Year 11 and 12 senior program.

Students nominate to begin preparation for the study of the IB Diploma Program in Year 10 by selecting a program of study that would continue to Year 12. Students choose one subject from each group with the exception of Group 6, which can be substituted with a selection from Group 3 or 4.

The IB Diploma Curriculum is shown below:

Note: A second language must be studied as part of the IB Diploma Program, therefore it is suggested that Spanish or Japanese is chosen as an elective in Year 9.