SAIL Program
At Newcastle High School we are committed to providing engaging and challenging educational opportunities for all students, while explicitly identifying and addressing the learning needs of high potential and gifted students in the areas of intellectual, creative, social-emotional and physical domains of potential.
Since 2022 Newcastle High has implemented a new and diverse range of programs to foster the needs of these learners, including a SAIL program for Year 7 and Year 8 students.
Our Y7 & Y8 SAIL program.
The Successful, Accelerated, Innovative Learners (SAIL) Program at Newcastle High supports and nurtures the talents of high potential and gifted students.
It is for students with a keen passion for learning and willingness to challenge and extend themselves. SAIL has one class in both Year 7 and Year 8, each class is up to 28 students.
A review of each student is conducted at the end of Year 7 to establish their suitability to continue in the SAIL program in Year 8. In Stage 5 (Y9 and Y10) students progress into streamed classes.
Aligned with NSW Y7 & Y8 curriculums, our SAIL teaching and learning initiatives offer stimulating activities to meet the unique needs, interests and abilities of our students.
The primary objectives of the program are to:
- encourage students to take intellectual risks and actively engage in their educational journey
- ultivate a mindset that embraces challenges with determination, focus, and curiosity
- foster the development and application of analytical and creative skills
- promote innovative thinking and effective problem-solving abilities
Our dedicated SAIL teachers provide comprehensive support to ensure that each student's individual learning needs are met.
For further information on supporting high potential and gifted students, please visit the NSW Dept. of Education HPGE webpage.
KEY DATES
- WEDNESDAY 18 MARCH 2026 > EXPRESSIONS OF INTEREST OPEN
- FRIDAY 15 MAY 2026 > EXPRESSIONS OF INTEREST CLOSE
- TUESDAY 16 JUNE 2026 > ACADEMIC ASSESSMENT TEST
SELECTION PROCESS
There is a 3-step selection process designed to identify students who are a good fit for the program.
Complete the online Expression of Interest form with your child.
Applicants will be invited to attend an assessment at Newcastle High on Tuesday 16 June 2026, 9.30am to 12.30pm. There will be a break in the day, where students will provide their own lunch.
Newcastle High staff consult Year 6 teachers and Principals to further assess applications suitability for the program.
EXPRESSION OF INTEREST
To start the application process please complete our SAIL program online Expression of Interest Form, be advised this form closed on Friday 15 May.
Expressions of Interest for the SAIL program close at 5pm Friday 15 May 2026. Late applications are only accepted at the discretion of the Principal, contact our Admin. Office for more details.
The cost of the Application is $15. Payment can be made via the online portal which will be available from Wednesday 18 March, 2026. To do this, 'add item' to pay and follow the prompts.
Frequently Asked Questions
Students in the SAIL class should possess the following characteristics:
- high levels of self-motivation
- ability to work effectively in a team
- positive attitude towards school and learning
- high levels of creativity
- strong academic performance
- higher-order thinking skills
- well-developed literacy and numeracy skills
The assessment is broken up into 3 sections:
- critical thinking and general ability
- literacy and extended writing response
- numeracy and problem solving
Have a question for our principal or teachers?
Our friendly office team can help you get in touch.
Y6 > Y7 Transition
Find out about our primary school to high school transition program.
High Performance & Gifted
Learn about about our other High Performance and Gifted Education programs and opportunities.