At the end of Term 2, our HAST (High Ability Selective Test) Panel members; Miss Leah Brown, Ms Jacqueline Genovese, Mrs Annette Flanagan and Ms Narelle Webster, collaborated with Ms Bernadette Bentley from Sydney Catholic Schools to make recommendations for our 2022 Year 7 Newman class by assessing numerous Year 6 student portfolios.

This is Mary MacKillop’s first year implementing the HAST and student portfolio in our Newman Gifted Selective Education Program selection process for our Year 7 cohort. These student portfolios consist of a number of components which provide a holistic picture of a student and their abilities and a strong indication of their suitability for the Newman Gifted Selective Education Program.

This process began last year when Year 5 students and their parents nominated for HAST testing and provided information about their achievements including NAPLAN, School Reports, ICAS competitions and the Premier’s Reading Challenge. This information was supported by data provided by their primary schools including PAT and AGAT results and a recommendation from their school principal.

Earlier this year, these Year 6 students visited Mary MacKillop and completed the HAST which provided us with information regarding their abilities in Verbal Reasoning, Quantitative Reasoning, Abstract Reasoning and Written Expression. They took part in four different tests across the day which challenged them to use their cognitive skills to solve problems and respond to questions.

Our panel is very pleased with the calibre of academic achievement present from this cohort and look forward to seeing these girls shine next year at the College. First round offers for the Year 7 Newman Gifted Selective classes will be in the mail soon to the selected students. Second round offers will be sent out to students after additional data is collected at the upcoming orientation days.

Miss Leah Brown