Carpe Astra
Be the best you can be. Aspire to achieve. Aim high and seize the stars!
Melba College’s Carpe Astra is a select-entry program dedicated to creating a learning environment to support and engage the development of high achieving students, providing them with the skills and knowledge to achieve their aspirations.
Carpe Astra provides a learning environment tailored for students with a passion for learning and those who take pride in achieving highly in their academic studies. The program delivers learning opportunities and experiences designed to foster independent and global learners, and provide pathways to support students in achieving their short- and long-term aspirations. Carpe Astra provides an enhanced curriculum to enrich students’ learning as well as fostering resilience, critical thinking, global citizenship, and self-esteem.
Taught by passionate teachers, Carpe Astra’s curriculum is enhanced to extend the learning of students. All core subjects will be enhanced, enabling students to delve deeper into topics, complete more challenging tasks, and more. In addition, Carpe Astra students will participate in an accelerated mathematics program, engaging with content one year above level. While the program launched in 2025, it will continue beyond Year 7, with participants engaging with some VCE level studies as part of their Year 10 studies.
Those accepted into the Carpe Astra program will join a dedicated homegroup of like-minded students. Within their homegroup, Carpe Astra students are provided with pastoral care and mentoring, and will include opportunities to participate in extra-curricular activities, incursion events.
Please click here to view the program flyer
The objectives of Carpe Astra are to:
- Foster a love of learning and a growth mindset within students
- Develop student’s 21st century skills and higher-order thinking skills
- Extend and enrich student knowledge and opportunities
- Develop critical thinking and problem solving skills
- Encourage independent and collaborative learning
- Provide students with the tools and the support needed to identify and achieve their academic, personal and career aspirations
Applications
Applications for the 2026 intake will open on September 1st 2025 and can be made directly through this webpage.
As part of the expression of interest please provide the following:
- Your year 5 NAPLAN results
- A 1-page letter explaining why you want to join Carpe Astra
- Any relevant awards or certificates (including any recommendations)
Please note, there will be reading and numeracy testing for all Year 7s commencing at Melba College in 2026. The results of these tests will also be used to determine eligibility for Carpe Astra.
Student Testimonals - Here what our Carpe Astra students have to say!
In Carpe Astra, our teachers support us and encourage us to be our best through our advanced curriculum. Our peers and teachers make us feel valued and respected, without feeling separate from the rest of the students. (Ari, year 7-2025)
Carpe Astra was a great opportunity. To be surrounded by people who want to learn and value education has helped me to push my abilities. It has been a great support in extending my learning and exceeding my expectations of myself. (Chantelle, year 7-2025)
Carpe Astra has helped improve my learning and deepened my understanding across many subjects. We explored many different topics with very kind and supportive teachers. I am given tasks to further enhance my learning, improve my understanding and teach me study habits. (Minahil, year 7-2025)
I have really enjoyed this year in Carpe Astra, especially mathematics. I really liked how lessons are designed to help us learn to the best of our ability and enhance our understanding. (Cale, year 7-2025)
In Carpe Astra, I have had a great experience that has helped push me to be the best I can be. My teachers have supported my learning in an environment where everyone values learning. (Clancy, year 7-2025)
Carpe Astra has presented me with challenges to support and enrich my learning. It has helped me set and achieve my goals, and make new friends. (Will, year 7-2025)
