I've not heard the Peter Gabriel song, but did read the book "Cry Freedom" when it came out many years ago - reduced me to tears - such injustice.

Alyssa is indeed fortunate to be part of the ATP - all of the teachers are specialists in their fields and the class size varies between 1 and 6 students, all based in rural or remote areas. Alyssa is in the only student in her year at Albany SHS doing this course. She does this for the humanities area - English and Society and Environment (the modern version of Social Studies which includes history, economics, law, geography). Whereas in the normal class, the teachers tended to not ask Alyssa's opinion or get her to answer questions, these kids are encouraged to speak their mind and are listened to, challenged and extended - fantastic! She has been on two ATP camps, where she got to meet the teachers and her fellow students in person and participate in activities and excursions. As I said - very lucky...

Our youngest daughter Karina has just applied for the same program - will see if she gets in for 2011. Both girls have been in a program in Primary School called PEAC - (Primary Extension and Challenge) - again a wonderful opportunity to work with specialists and mix with other bright kids. Karina is currently doing a course called "Walk on the Wild Side" where her group is investigating King George Sound - the harbour that Albany is built around. They are looking at mapping, how landforms seen on maps appear in real life, geology, geomorphology, beachcombing, the effects of groynes and artificial barriers on water flow and erosion/deposition and more. She too is extremely fortunate...