At Donvale Primary School, enrichment opportunities are designed to ignite curiosity, extend thinking and celebrate student interests and strengths. We believe all students benefit from opportunities to be challenged, to explore ideas deeply and to apply their learning in meaningful ways.
Our enrichment programs complement classroom learning and provide students with opportunities to think creatively, work collaboratively and pursue areas of interest across a range of curriculum areas.
A key part of enrichment at Donvale Primary School is Donvale Democracy, our student voice framework that empowers students to contribute ideas, lead change and take an active role in improving their school.
Through Donvale Democracy, students:
develop leadership and communication skills
collaborate with peers to solve problems
represent the views of others
engage in real-world decision-making
This program enriches learning by building confidence, agency and a strong sense of belonging.
Students in Years 5 and 6 have access to additional enrichment opportunities that extend thinking and problem-solving skills.
The Maths Olympiad program challenges students to work collaboratively on complex mathematical problems. Students develop logical reasoning, perseverance and a deeper understanding of mathematical thinking.
Future Problem Solvers encourages students to think critically and creatively about real-world and future-focused issues. Students work together to analyse problems, generate solutions and justify their thinking.
These programs support advanced reasoning, teamwork and resilience.
Students at Donvale Primary School are encouraged to participate in a range of local, state and national challenges that enrich learning and celebrate effort and growth.
These may include:
Victorian Premiers’ Reading Challenge
Prime Minister’s Spelling Bee
Australian Mathematics Competition (AMC)
KSF Mathematics Competitions
Science competitions and challenges
Coding Days and digital challenges
Participation in these events encourages students to challenge themselves, apply their learning in new contexts and build confidence in a supportive environment.
Some students may be offered the opportunity to participate in the Victorian High-Ability Program (VHAP), delivered by Virtual School Victoria.
VHAP provides ten-week online courses in Mathematics and English, where students:
explore complex ideas
engage in collaborative online learning
develop confidence and academic risk-taking
deepen their understanding of key concepts
VHAP supports students who benefit from additional challenge and extension.
Donvale Primary School is proud to be a host school for the GATEWAYS program, which offers rich, independent enrichment programs across a range of curriculum areas.
Programs are available across:
Years 1–2
Years 3–4
Years 5–6
As a host school, Donvale Primary School has reserved places for our students, providing valuable access to these highly sought-after learning experiences.
Through our enrichment opportunities, students are encouraged to:
think deeply and creatively
collaborate and communicate effectively
take academic risks
pursue interests and passions
feel proud of effort and growth
Enrichment at Donvale Primary School reflects our belief that learning should be challenging, engaging and inspiring for every student.
