Aspire Program
An extended curriculum for gifted young minds.
An extended curriculum for gifted young minds.
Operating as distinct class groups in Years 7-10, the Aspire program provides enriched learning experiences that are tailored to develop and advance students’ knowledge, understanding and skills in a dynamic, challenging and supportive classroom environment.
Aspire students are provided with specialist learning opportunities designed to advance their academic achievement, including through participation in competitions and engagement with subject-specific learning incursions and excursions. Members of the Aspire program also benefit from invitations to attend workshops to further the development of their study skills, time management and organisation, with an emphasis on building social, emotional, physical and academic resilience.
Aspire students are invited to engage with UWA through a range of exciting events including:
UWA Excursions and Incursions
Byford Secondary College staff work with the UWA Aspire team to provide workshops, excursions and incursions that develop students’ interest in tertiary education across a range of learning faculties. Students gain a practical understanding of how to tackle real-world problems at a higher level.
UWA+ Starter micro-credentials
Through the Aspire program, Byford Secondary College senior secondary students have access to a wide range of university-level study courses. These are delivered by UWA academics, who are experts in their field. These courses allow students to try different subjects to help them decide on what to study at uni. Selected courses are SCSA endorsed and count towards the achievement of WACE. Successfully completed UWA+ Starter micro-credentials can also contribute towards admission to UWA via their Experience-based entry pathway.
Murdoch University – Harry Butler Institute
Through workshops and field trips delivered in collaboration with Murdoch University, Byford Aspire students are working with researchers from the Harry Butler Institute. Students are actively involved in evaluating the health of our local wetlands and participating in research projects to better protect freshwater ecosystems. By engaging in environmental research, students gain an appreciation of the benefits of citizen science projects and the role that each of us can play in protecting out environment.
WA Museum – Boola Bardip
Byford Aspire students are able to build on their knowledge developed in class by participating in facilitated workshops and exploring exhibits at the WA Museum – Boola Bardip. Students tackle complex issues in a way that fosters collaboration, inquiry and deep analysis.
Local, national and international competitions
Aspire students from Year 7-12 are offered the opportunity to participate a wide range of academic competitions across the Humanities, English, Science and Mathematics learning areas. In 2024, a Byford Secondary College student achieved in the top 24 students Australia-wide in the Australian Science Olympiad – Biology and was invited to participate in their summer school program. This two week experience is run by the Australian National University and provides and accelerated, hands-on learning experience.
Camps
Excursions to UWA
Dedicated classes with like-minded peers
Engagement with highly trained staff
Entry to state, country and world wide competitions
The Aspire program sets up your child to enter high level senior studies by preparing them for the rigors of tertiary subjects and encouraging a general love of learning and curiosity.
Many Aspire students go on to study ATAR and apply for university entrance or other tertiary pathways.