Learning

Biretta

Enrichment Programs

The Biretta Program

Why Biretta?

‘Biretta’ is an Italian term referring to a square cap with three ridges traditionally worn by Catholic clergy. The ‘biretta’ is an ancestor of the modern mortarboard hat used today in universities. St John Bosco, the founder of the Salesian Order, regularly wore a biretta. We have chosen ‘Biretta’ as the name for the Program to give contemporary expression to Don Bosco’s educational vision.

How the Biretta Program Works

Similar to students in mixed ability Homerooms, students in the Biretta Class study their core subjects together as a Homeroom (i.e. Religious Education, English, Mathematics, Science, Humanities and Italian). The Biretta Program environment fosters the opportunity for academically talented students to:

  • Learn new material at a rapid rate
  • Simultaneously focus on a number of tasks; and
  • Handle abstract and complex ideas

The speed and depth at which material is undertaken by the Biretta Class is tailored to the capabilities of particularly able students. The curriculum is compacted to allow for a range of enrichment and extension activities. Students in the Biretta Program have the opportunity to learn in a stimulating, fast-moving environment.

The Criteria

All families are encouraged to apply for the Year 7 Biretta Class intake. Selection will be based on performances in:

  • The General Ability Test completed at the College at our recent Pre-Entry Test Day on 8 August
  • A further test conducted at the College
  • Year 5 NAPLAN test results during September
The Research

The potential benefit of group enrichment for the highly academic learner is clear. Strong, consistent results support the idea that ability grouping promotes and enriches learning (Rogers, 2007).

The Salesian College Chadstone Biretta Program recognises educational research and appropriately engages and promotes excellence in secondary school students. Achieving potential is made possible when studying a dynamic, relevant and changing curriculum in a supportive environment with peers of a similar ability.

References

Rogers. K.B, (2007) The Relationship of Grouping Practices to the Education of the Gifted and Talented Learner; Research Based Decision Making, University of St Thomas, St Paul, Minnesota, p.7

From students in the Biretta program

All of the activities I have been a part of here at the College have shaped me into the person I am today, and have taught me many key qualities for life. The incredible culture here at our school is unrivalled.

The potential benefit of group enrichment for the highly-academic learner is clear. Strong, consistent results support the idea that ability grouping promotes and enriches learning.

Pictured: Mark Linden, 2018 School Captain

 

Pictured: Ashley Curry 8B

 

From students in the Biretta program

All of my classes have been engaging, challenging and stimulating to the mind; I have really enjoyed the fast-moving environment. Best of all, I am in an environment that fosters curiosity and makes me want to keep learning.