Balmoral State High School currently offers four distinct Excellence Programs, alongside our extensive curriculum in both the Junior and Senior schools.
The programs are:
Innovate Academy
The Innovate Academy at Balmoral State High School is a selective and specialised academic enrichment pathway for high-achieving students who demonstrate strong academic ability, curiosity, and a commitment to advanced learning. The program provides a challenging and engaging curriculum that extends and accelerates students beyond the standard curriculum, through innovative, enriching, and future-focussed learning opportunities.
Rooted in academic excellence and future-focused thinking, the Innovate Academy provides targeted academic extension and acceleration opportunities within the Australian Curriculum, with a focus on the core subjects of Mathematics, English, Science and Humanities. Students will participate in learning experiences that focus on innovation, real-world problem solving, analytical and critical thinking, creativity, collaboration, and project-based learning in authentic contexts.
Students in the Innovate Academy will engage in:
- Innovative and inquiry-based learning experiences
- Authentic real-world problem solving and application of knowledge
- Project-based learning opportunities
- Advanced analytical and critical thinking tasks
- Collaborative learning experiences that develop teamwork and leadership
- Extension and enrichment within English, Humanities, Mathematics, Science.
- Learning opportunities that promote creativity, innovation, and persistence
Application Process
All applicants for the Innovate Academy must complete the Expression of Interest application process. Entry into the program includes specific selection requirements designed to identify students best suited to the academic rigour and expectations of the pathway.
Selection requirements include:
- Completion of the Innovate Academy Expression of Interest form
- Participation in an ACER HAST testing day ($200 cost for entry)
- School reference checks, including Deputy Principal and primary school teacher reports
Students who are successful in the ACER HAST testing phase will progress to the reference checking stage, where schools will be contacted to confirm students’ suitability for the program.
For more information, please contact see the Information and EOI document or email innovate@balmoralshs.eq.edu.au
Horizons Academy
- The Horizons Academy at Balmoral State High School challenges year 7 students to develop and apply skills in divergent and critical thinking, teamwork and collaboration, innovation and creativity, as well as, effective communication. The individual talents of each student in the Academy are nurtured by our specialist-trained teachers, and supported by a rigorous curriculum that encourages students to become leaders in their field, while being active members of their community.
Boeing Program – A collaboration with Boeing for enrichment for students in years 8-12. Balmoral has a strong connection with Boeing Australia, stretching nearly 20 years. The school’s Boeing Excellence Program welcomes our best and brightest students from every field: critical and creative thinking, writing, design, STEM, business and more. The program launches in Term 1 each year, when students come together for one lesson per week, collaborating to solve an amazing real-world problem. After progressing through the research and design phases, students polish their presentation skills to present to the Board members at Boeing House.
- The Balmoral Netball Academy is currently open to students in Years 7-10, with a focus on building your child's fundamental skills within the sport, with an emphasis on skill acquisition and game sense.