Welcome to APEX
The Academic Program of Excellence (APEX) at Calamvale Community College supports the development of highly able and gifted students in selective entry classes for Years 7, 8, and 9. Students with similarly highly cognitive abilities and interests are taught in a single class at each year level. The program includes students from a diverse range of cultural and linguistic backgrounds, including China, Taiwan, Korea and India. This program is designed to challenge our academically gifted students by deepening their learning through a unique combination of opportunities.
Competitions
Our students compete against other like-minded students from schools across Queensland and Australia in academic competitions. These include the Da Vinci Decathlon, a 10-event academic competition held in one day. Students compete in a range of learning areas, giving each individual an opportunity to shine.
Additional competitions and challenges are also offered in Mathematics, English, Science, History, Geography and Languages competitions at local, State and National levels. Students in APEX compete in at least one academic competition each year which focus on challenge-rich and collaboration-rich skills. Some competitions incur additional fees on entry.
University links
As APEX is aimed at students who are seeking a pathway to University, students experience life and learning at Brisbane Universities as part of their course each year. This introduces them to the tertiary subjects on offer and university life, along with enhancing their learning through participating in workshops and events, in areas such as Sciences, Engineering, Health and Ancient History.
Excursions and incursions
Classroom learning for the College APEX students is further deepened by excursions and incursions, that are tailored to match curriculum learning. The location of Calamvale Community College allows students to access urban and rural areas with ease. Students learn about their world through visiting laboratories at the UQ Diamantina Institute to learn about cell biology, participating in a Shakespeare drama workshop with a guest company, or being involved in World Earth and Environment Day activities at UQ.
APEX projects
APEX students also participate in additional projects to enhance their learning in College curriculum areas. These projects develop student’s 21st century skills of collaboration, communication, creative and critical thinking and self-management, in addition to their subject knowledge and skills. These projects may involve creating a short film from a novel study in a group or creating a prototype product in response to a challenge.
APEX Accelerators
Each week APEX students attend APEX Accelerators, a program designed to develop a sense of belong, social and emotional skills and study skills. Every term is different and each week students are challenged in a different curriculum area.
Application process
Applications for this Program are open year-round, with entry testing occurring during week 6 of each school term. Please read through the application carefully, and submit the completed forms, with required documentation to Main Administration at the College by Week 4 of each school term. All year 6 students (external to CCC) are strongly encouraged to submit their applications by the Term 2 event as places in the Program are limited. Later applications will be considered, but subject to availability.
Submit applications digitally via email: enrolment@calamvalecc.eq.edu.au, or physically via the Main Office.
click here for the APPLICATION FORM
Please fill in the Expression of Interest document and submit it with copies of the following documentation:
- Most recent school report (achievement at a high level in academic subjects is required)
- Other supporting documentation – e.g. certificates of achievement in academic competitions, AMEB certificates, sporting achievements, participation in academic events.
N.B. Applications without complete documentation will not be considered. Each application will be considered on merit.
Applications for Year 7-9 are open each round. Each term in week 6, shortlisted students are assessed using the Acer Cognitive Abilities Test. Successful applicants are then transitioned into APEX the following term, should positions become available or added to the waitlist.