INFORMATION for ELMS 2009

ELMS is an advanced class in the subjects Maths and Science.

The ELMS students in Year 7 study Maths and Science at Year 8 standard, but all other subjects are taught at Year 7 standard. These standards are set by VELS for Maths and English, and CSF2 for other subjects. These frameworks guide the curriculum content, skills and assessment levels for all Victorian schools, from Prep to Year 10.

An Information Evening about Year 7 in 2009 will be held in the McKinnon Secondary College Assembly Hall at 7:30pm on

MONDAY 3rd MARCH, 2008

After the meeting, at about 8pm, parents are invited to the college library to talk to Key Learning Area Managers.

Parents of prospective students are welcome to attend this Information Evening and collect application forms to sit for the ELMS Selection Test. The forms may also be collected from the General Office commencing soon.

Read a colour brochure about ELMS (PDF format, 250K)

The ELMS selection test for students currently in grade 6 will be held in the McKinnon Secondary College Assembly Hall between 9am and 11:30am on

Saturday 15 March, 2008

Grade 6 students from any primary school may pay the $30 fee to sit the tests.

The tests consist of three sub tests, one in each of English, Maths and Science.

Candidates will need to arrive outside the McKinnon Secondary College Assembly Hall (Eastern end of the College grounds), by 8.45am. Students are to check their desk number from the lists pinned up on the glass doors at the Hall entry foyer. There are short breaks between each of the tests.

Students need to bring a ruler, two sharpened 2B or B pencils and an eraser.

The test papers are marked externally and the results form the basis for selection of the top 25 students to join the ELMS class in Year 7 in the following year. The College notifies all candidates of the success or otherwise of gaining an ELMS placement (providing a stamped self addressed envelope is lodged with the test fee).

ELMS students are allocated to form groups 7A, B, C or D. They are not concentrated in the one home/form group. Blocking Maths and Science classes enables students to come together for Maths and also Science and yet to study all other subjects with their form groups. Students entering the program are monitored and counselled.

Allocation to form groups 7A, B, C or D takes into account Music instruction and Language preferences. Year 8 ELMS students study Year 9 level Maths and Science. Year 9 ELMS students are studying Maths at Year 10 level and a specifically tailored Science course. In Year 10 ELMS students undertake VCE Maths (Maths Methods Units 1 and 2) and a General Maths elective. Year 10 ELMS Science is a specifically designed course. ELMS students may also qualify to undertake other subjects at VCE level whilst in Year 10. Recent evaluations of the ELMS courses have resulted in an increasing emphasis upon research and other scientific skills.

McKinnon provides many opportunities for students to excel and to develop talents and interests in all subject areas. Music, Drama and Art competitions are also complemented by leadership training courses, monthly English competitions. We conduct Science Talent Search, Australia wide Geography and Australian Stock Exchange Share Market trading contests. The College participates in the Victorian Tournament of Minds and Debating competitions. Teams of students research topics and present solutions to English/Literature or Maths/Engineering scenarios or Social Studies issues. The College participates in the statewide Science, Maths and English competitions.

The comprehensive range of sporting opportunities in the form of structured Physical Education and Sports classes have enabled McKinnon to excel at District levels and to take out statewide prizes for individual and team pursuits. Our Music Department is widely recognised as outstanding.

McKinnon is proud of the achievements of its students and ELMS provides an opportunity to develop and achieve excellence. It is a State leader in this field. We offer you a friendly welcome on the morning of the ELMS selection tests, if you choose to participate.

Best wishes for your future.

For further information contact Mrs Jenny de Kretser on 8520 9000

SAMPLE QUESTIONS - similar to the questions found on an ELMS test

ELMS WEBSITE

ELMS SELECTION TEST

The format of questions on the ELMS Selection Test is usually similar to the primary school AIM (LAP) tests and the Science and Mathematics Competitions offered to primary students. Questions may be written or a combination of writing and diagrams. The emphasis is on problem solving based on Level 4 skills prescribed by CSF 11 (Curriculum Standards Framework) Victoria.

Examples of Mathematics problems:

Examples of Science problems:

2. English vocabulary, comprehension, grammar questions.

There may be a written paragraph accompanied by several multiple choice questions, which test the understanding of the paragraph. Usually the format of questions is similar to what primary school children experience in the AIM (LAP) tests.

Preparation
Spelling lists – revise these. Discuss meanings and consult dictionaries. Think of words with a series of similar meanings eg. enthusiastic, keen, eager, willing. Read a story or page and then ask your child to explain the meaning of what has been read. Parents may read the page or story and ask questions about it. “ Who was responsible for injuring Jake?”. “ Who reported the incident and what was their real intention in reporting it?”

Reading a daily newspaper article and then asking what the article was about, or probing more deeply such as: “Who is really being blamed for this problem?” is worthwhile discussion and good preparation.

Note: These are suggestions to assist in preparation for the Elms Selection test. However the style of questions may include a different approach. We cannot guarantee that formats will remain similar to previous years.