ENGAGE - ENHANCE - ENRICH (EEE)

EEE at Blackburn Lake Primary School provides high ability students the opportunity to take part in a number of extension programs. We have a dedicated EEE teacher who runs small targeted groups and organises the varied opportunities for our students. 

Some of the programs and organisations we collaborate with include:

Virtual School Victoria delivers the Victorian High Ability Program (VHAP) to high ability students in Years 5-8 at all Victorian state schools. VHAP started in late 2020 as part of the Victorian government’s then-new Student Excellence Program. Due to the success of the program, VHAP has been extended and will now continue through to Term 4, 2025. By the end of 2025, it is expected that 85,000 students across the state will have participated in this challenge and extension program.

VHAP consists of ten-week online courses in Mathematics or English. Students engage in Webex classes with their teachers, while they can also engage with the course material on VSV Online outside of the class time.

Australasian Problem Solving Mathematical Olympiads (APSMO), Maths Quest and Maths Explorers are designed to introduce and develop problem solving concepts and strategies to early and middle year primary students, respectively. The programs encourage students to look for patterns and relationships, in order to enhance their ability to solve more challenging, unfamiliar problems. Strategies covered included making an organised list, making a tree diagram, or finding your own creative way to work systematically. The emphasis of Maths Explorers is on teamwork, so that students may learn from one another and build their confidence solving problems in a non-competitive environment.

Another function of the EEE program is to provide high ability students with access to free programs or courses offered by the Victorian Challenge and Enrichment Series, another initiative by the government to challenge, extend and engage high ability learners. The VCES includes activities delivered by expert education and not-for-profit organisations such as universities, tech schools, science and mathematics specialist centres and teacher organisations.

ICAS (International Competitions and Assessments for Schools) are annual academic competitions that give students the opportunity to challenge themselves and be recognised for their achievements in subjects such as English, Mathematics, Science, and more. Open to students from Years 2–12, ICAS provides valuable insights into individual strengths and areas for growth, helping to celebrate excellence and support learning,

The Debaters Association of Victoria supports and organises school debating programs and competitions across Victoria, helping students develop critical thinking, public speaking, and teamwork skills. The Mathematical Association of Victoria promotes excellence in mathematics education by providing resources, professional learning, and student activities such as competitions and enrichment programs. Both associations are featured in our EEE program.