For 42 primary students, the introduction to high school came a little sooner than expected, with the commencement of Forbes High School’s Lachlan Engagement and Enrichment Program (LEEP) last term. Primary students from five local primary public schools had the opportunity to take part in the 2018 program.
LEEP is a program for gifted and talented students from stages 2 and 3 in the Forbes area. It is run by the staff of Forbes High School and promotes the collaboration of the High School with the local public primary schools. The purpose of LEEP is to enhance the exposure to STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics) for primary school students.
Ms Edwards, Forbes High School Relieving Deputy Principal said. “Creating strong partnerships and connecting to our partner primary schools and families is important to our school.”
Students are supported by professional and dedicated staff, with Mathematics Head Teacher Mr Player and Science Teacher Ms Hall, leading the two groups through various mathematics and science lessons throughout the day. Each stage spends half a day in Mathematics and the other in Science participating in a range of activities that cover Biology, Chemistry, Physics, Engineering and practical and applied Mathematics.
“Providing opportunities for students to be able to extend their learning is important to do and necessary for students to reach their full potential,” said Jason Nottingham, Relieving Principal. Currently LEEP focuses on Mathematics and Science for stages 2 and 3, with an emphasis on a hands-on approach to learning and application of design and problem solving.