Start the school year ready, not overwhelmed.

The Diverse Thinkers Head Start Program is a short, structured online program that gives secondary English students a strong foundation before the school year begins. Over three weeks, students attend two live sessions per week, six sessions in total, each building on the last.

Program schedule

Week 1 (11–17 Jan): Read, understand and get organised
Close reading and comprehension skills, plus executive function strategies for planning, starting tasks and staying on track.

Week 2 (18–24 Jan): Text-response essay writing
A clear, step-by-step structure for analytical paragraphs and essays, from unpacking the prompt to using evidence well.

Week 3 (25–29 Jan): Persuasive and creative writing
Analysing how writers persuade, creating persuasive pieces, developing confident creative writing, and finishing with study skills to carry into Term 1.

Who it’s for

Students who want to strengthen their essay writing before Term 1
Students who find English overwhelming or hard to start
Neurodivergent learners who benefit from structured, explicit teaching
Students moving into a new year level or making the jump to VCE

No diagnosis required. All students who would benefit from a clear, structured approach are welcome.

Your tutor
Stephanie Hume is a Melbourne-based inclusive education specialist with 10 years’ experience supporting secondary English students. She holds a Master of Teaching (Secondary) and a Master of Communication, and brings a warm, structured and practical approach to every session.

Investment (per student, full 6-session program)
Junior English, Years 7–8: $330
Middle English, Years 9–10: $360
VCE English, Years 11–12: $430

Groups are capped at 6 students and grouped by year level. Early registrations receive priority placement.

Register your interest
Expressions of interest are open now at diversethinkers.com.au/headstart. Stephanie will be in touch with confirmed session times and everything you need to get started.

Diverse Thinkers Head Start Program

Choose your tickets

Junior (Year 7 & 8) Head Start Program ticket

Middle (Year 9 & 10) Head Start Program ticket

VCE English (Year 11 & 12) Head Start Program ticket