The Eric S. Atkinson Program

for Enrichment and Enhancement of Advanced Students

Campbell High School recognises advanced students' specific needs by providing enrichment and enhancement opportunities that challenge them to develop their talents and achievements. As part of our celebrations in our 60th Birthday year, we have developed and are implementing a program to further support these students.

Named for our founding Principal,  Eric S. Atkinson, the program provides students with experiences at and beyond their age and class level. Unlike acceleration, which often focuses on students rapidly acquiring knowledge, the enhancement experience focuses on skill development, including critical thinking. At Campbell High School, students are offered enhancement through the ERIC (Enrichment, Research, Innovation and Curiosity) Humanities class, and other core classes are streamed. Enrichment activities are offered through opportunities outside of regular class schedules that complement and enhance the curriculum.

ERIC HaSS Class

The ERIC HaSS class at Campbell High School is a targeted enrichment program designed for advanced students demonstrating strong academic potential and readiness for deeper, more independent learning in the Humanities. It embodies a flexible and responsive approach to curriculum, aligned with a vision of differentiated pathways and curriculum compaction to ensure students are working at the level they’re ready for, not just their chronological year level.

• Curriculum Compaction and Acceleration
  Students move quickly through core Australian Curriculum content in Civics, History, Geography and Economics, demonstrating mastery before progressing. This frees up time for inquiry-based, interdisciplinary and creative explorations beyond standard requirements.
• Project-Based and Inquiry Learning
  Learning is structured around rich, authentic inquiries, like the National History Challenge project, where students formulate their own questions, conduct independent research, analyse multiple perspectives, and present their findings in diverse formats (essays, documentaries, models, exhibitions, etc.).
• Critical and Creative Thinking
  Students engage in higher-order thinking, evaluate sources, interpret complex historical and contemporary issues, and construct well-evidenced arguments. Tasks are designed to stretch their analytical, evaluative, and ethical reasoning skills.
• Flexible Performances of Understanding
  Learning culminates in performances that require students to use knowledge in new and applied ways, moving beyond rote recall to synthesis and communication. These performances are often public, collaborative, or cross-curricular.
• Student Autonomy and Voice
  ERIC HaSS students are given greater freedom and responsibility in directing their learning. They’re encouraged to reflect, self-assess, and engage in peer critique, developing metacognitive awareness alongside disciplinary expertise.
• Supportive and High-Expectation Environment
  The class provides both challenge and support, intellectually stimulating yet emotionally safe. Students are grouped with like-minded peers, which supports well-being, motivation, and a strong sense of belonging.

Case Management

In line with the need to support your child’s academic and social development, as part of the Eric S. Atkinson Program, we must monitor and support our advanced students to grow. The ACT Education Directorate Policies recommend a case management approach and ILP documentation for advanced students who require it. This could be for several reasons, and we may appoint case managers for students who meet some or all of the following criteria:

• Twice-Exceptionality
• Acceleration (grade or subject) – this can have happened in primary school
• Psychological reports
• Underperformance
• Discussion with parents or the primary school transition team

Enrichment Activities

Campbell High School offers a rich program of learning that goes beyond the classroom, some of which is outside regular school hours. These programs greatly enrich student learning and are available to all students. We encourage all students to take advantage of these opportunities to challenge themselves academically and further develop their knowledge, skills, relationships, positive attitudes and values. Through these programs, students come to value the pursuit of excellence, teamwork, self-esteem, and willingness to provide service to the school and community. Details for available opportunities are provided to students throughout the year as they arise.

The Gifted and Talented Students Policy is available on the Directorate’s Policies page.

Additional information for parents and carers is available through a series of Gifted and Talented Fact Sheets:

• Identification
• Myths and Facts about Giftedness
• Overview and Frequently Asked Questions
• Programs and Provisions Parent Factsheet
• Social Emotional Needs
• Twice Exceptionality