Ignite (youth programme)
Ignite is a programme for gifted and talented young people in South Australia. It is administered by the South Australian Department of Education and Children's Services (DECS). The programme has become prestigious since Adelaide hosted the World Conference for Gifted Education and Ignite played a central role.
How the programme works
At the beginning of the school year in South Australia (ie. January), DECS advertises for Year 6 or Year 7 applicants to take part in the programme in the following year. The applicants are charged $30 and take a test made up of reading comprehension, written literacy, mathematics and Ravens components.
The best of the students who completed the test are notified later in the year and are then interviewed by employees of the department to ensure that they are socially and emotionally able to participate in the programme. Applicants are then allocated according to residence to either Aberfoyle Park High School, Glenunga International High School or The Heights School.
The following year particpants start at this school and complete a vastly accelerated and enriching Year 8 course that is immediately followed by Year 10 (ie. Year 9 is "skipped").