Our High Ability Classrooms: Empowering students to excellence
The Centre for Higher Education Studies (CHES) is pleased to announce the continuation of its professional learning program designed to enhance teaching excellence for high-ability students in Victorian government schools. This statewide program empowers teachers with effective strategies to identify and support high-ability learners through curriculum design and effective classroom teaching practices.
Join the CHES Professional Learning Community (PLC)
Are you passionate about advancing your practice and collaborating with like-minded educators across Victoria?
The CHES Professional Learning Community (PLC) offers a vibrant and supportive space for Department of Education staff to connect, share expertise, and engage in professional dialogue around evidence-informed teaching and learning.
Whether you’re new to CHES or an experienced practitioner, we welcome your insights and enthusiasm.
Join the CHES PLC
(Department of Education email address required)
NEW FOR 2025
Our professional learning program includes termly webinars, an online Community of Practice and one-day workshops for primary and secondary teachers (offered once per term). Each offering has been co-designed with a range of school-based staff to reflect the needs of teachers and leaders across the state.
High Challenge for All: Equity, Engagement, and Adaptive Teaching
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Term 2 Webinar 1 - Wednesday, 21 May 2025
- 3:45 pm – 4:45 pm
- Format: Online
- Interactive question and answer session
Inclusion in Action: Supporting Twice-Exceptional (2e) Students
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Term 2 Webinar 2 - Wednesday, 11 June 2025
- 3:45 pm – 4:45 pm
- Format: Online
- Interactive question and answer session
Beyond the English Classroom: Differentiating Literacy for High-Ability Learners Across Disciplines
Term 3 Webinar 1- Wednesday, 20 August 2025
- 3:45 pm – 4:45 pm
- Format: Online
- Interactive question and answer session
High Ability Mathematics
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Term 3 Webinar 2 - Date: TBC
- 3:45 pm – 4:45 pm
- Format: Online
- Interactive question and answer session
High Challenge for All: Equity, Engagement, and Adaptive Teaching
In this webinar, Morgan Whitfield explores practical, evidence-informed strategies for identifying and supporting underachieving high-ability students in diverse classroom settings. Focusing on adaptive teaching, equity, and providing appropriate challenges for all learners, this session aims to help educators reframe their approach to differentiation and create inclusive environments where every student is empowered to thrive.
Click here for more information.
Inclusion in Action: Supporting Twice-Exceptional (2e) Students
In this session, Dr. Genevieve Thraves draws on inclusive education principles to guide teachers in identifying, understanding, and effectively supporting 2e learners. This practical webinar explores how schools can create learning environments that honour student strengths while addressing additional needs, ensuring no learner is left behind in the pursuit of excellence.
Click here for more information.
Community of Practice:
Coming soon – This will be an online platform accessible to Victorian Government school teachers and leaders.
One-day Workshops:
Click here for more information
Teaching High Ability Students CHES Conference: 13-14 November. State-wide conference at CHES, South Yarra with experts, teachers and student contributions. Details to follow.
This expansion of our professional learning is aimed at providing ongoing support to schools, teachers and students through collaboration, resource sharing and discussion forums. As part of our program we are also able to run workshops at schools and regional hubs or host these at our school in South Yarra.
Please contact Sapphira Talbot-Strettle, Assistant Principal for inquires and availability. [email protected]
Registration Process
Individual applications are welcomed for these courses. Where feasible for schools, we encourage two or more staff perschool to attend together.
To be eligible for the program you must be in a current teaching or leadership role (full-time or part-time) in a Victorian government school.
To register your interest in the workshops for 2025 please complete this form.
FINANCIAL SUPPORT
These courses are fully subsidised by the Centre for Higher Education Studies (CHES) for government school participants. There is no cost to schools.
CRT funding is also available to cover the attendance of participants.