As term three rolls around, students in Years 9, 10 and 11 are starting to plan their subject pathways for their senior years.

Some students may be considering acceleration in one or more Year 12 subjects. This means placing them into classes with older peers to allow them to study above their year level. These students are likely to be among the most capable in their year group. They also tend to learn quickly and are highly motivated to learn.

The purpose of acceleration is to match the educational needs of these students with an appropriate level and pace of learning.

So how can students ensure it’s the right decision for them?

How subject acceleration works

In Australia, the decision to allow a student to accelerate (including in Year 12 subjects) is typically left to individual schools. However, it’s still expected schools will carefully consult with the student in question, teachers and parents as well as education specialists and psychologists. Schools should also consider the student’s abilities, grades and social and emotional maturity.

The NSW Education Standards Authority actually specifies the subjects for which Stage 6 (Year 11 and 12) acceleration is........

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