Primary Extension and Challenge (PEAC) program for primary student

The PEAC program provides opportunities for talented students in Years 5, 6 and 7. (Prototype programs that start in earlier years also operate in some areas.) Selection is based on results from assessment tests, teacher and parent nominations, and other relevant information.

Students learn alongside their intellectual peers at PEAC centres on a part time basis (usually one morning or afternoon each week) during school and also online for country students. Many PEAC students progress to programs for gifted and talented secondary school students.

Schools in local areas may also get together to run extension programs for students in areas such as art, technology and languages. 

Discover more about PEAC at your local primary school.

Selective secondary academic schooling

Perth Modern School is a fully selective school for students of outstanding academic ability.

Entry is highly competitive. Selection is based on student performance in nationally recognised aptitude tests for writing, reading comprehension, quantitative reasoning and abstract reasoning ability.

Research highlights the significant academic and socio-emotional benefits of gifted students working with others of similar ability. Highly trained teachers specialising in teaching gifted students, provide excellent education programs and pastoral care. The level and pace of work matches the needs and ability of students and provides a stimulating learning experience not found in other schools.

Selective secondary arts schooling

John Curtin College of the Arts provides gifted and talented students with a suite of rigorous and rewarding arts programs including dance, drama, music, visual arts, artsmedia and music theatre. Entry is highly competitive with selection based on talent and aptitude.

The school also offers an excellent academic curriculum as well as sporting, cultural and academic extracurricular activities.

The college has an acclaimed reputation in the arts. It has a multi-million dollar, purpose-built performance complex and is located in the Fremantle arts precinct.

Gifted and talented programs for secondary students

Selective Academic, Arts and Language Programs are offered in 15 schools in the Perth Metropolitan region. There are programs in maths, science, humanities, languages other than English, dance, drama, music and visual arts. Students are grouped together for the selective program but join mainstream classes for the rest of their schooling. 

An online Selective Academic Program is available for some programs for country students.

Positions are highly sought after and entry is competitive. The central selection processes vary depending on the area of specialisation and may include aptitude tests, school reports, interviews, portfolios and workshops. Students offered the program can attend the chosen Selective Program even if they do not live in the school’s local intake area.

Approved Specialist Programs

Approved Specialist Programs cater for students with a passion and special interest in a subject. From aviation to agriculture, surfing to science and mining to marine studies, there’s plenty to choose from. Specialist teachers and sports coaches help students develop and extend their ability. As well as expert teaching in the specialist area, a strong emphasis is placed on well-rounded achievement at school and students are expected to maintain high standards in all learning areas.

Places are limited. Applications are made directly to the relevant schools. Students offered a place can attend the school even if they do not live in the local intake area.

Instrumental music

Free instrumental tuition to selected children is part of an instrumental music program in WA’s public schools. The program, run by the Department’s School of Instrumental Music, is for children who show a keen interest and aptitude in music and are prepared to make an ongoing commitment to musical activity.

As well as having a passion for music, instrumental teachers are qualified musicians and registered teachers. They work with over 400 primary and secondary schools across WA, reaching students from Years 3 to 12.

Classes are generally scheduled in school time. Students are taught in small groups, generally on the same instrument, and go on to join a mixed instrumental group such as a concert band when they are considered ready by their instrumental music teacher.

Instruments generally offered in primary school include brass (trumpet, trombone and baritone), classical guitar, cello, clarinet, double bass, flute, violin and viola.

To find out more about instrumental music at your child's school, talk with the principal.

Language studies

Learning a language other than English is part of the curriculum from Year 3 to Year 10. Students may choose to continue studying a language through to Year 12. At Year 8, students may continue to learn the language they studied at primary school or choose a new language. Learning a language other than English helps students gain an understanding of other cultures as well as improve their English literacy.

For students with exceptional language ability, Mount Lawley Senior High School and Rossmoyne Senior High School offer a selective Gifted and Talented program. Gifted children are able to develop their linguistic abilities to an advanced level. Entry to these programs is competitive.

Aboriginal education

Schools run a range of programs to meet the specific needs of Aboriginal students.

One very successful program is called Follow the Dream which promotes and encourages academic excellence. High achieving Aboriginal students are invited to participate in the program. These students take part in a tertiary aspirations program in after school learning centres. Students receive support from tutors and mentors and are helped to plan their careers and further study.

Hundreds of students are enrolled in 24 centres across the State. Year 12 graduates have gone on to university, TAFE, apprenticeships, traineeships and employment.

Another successful program is the Indigenous Tutorial Assistance Scheme (ITAS). This is a tuition program aimed at improving the literacy and numeracy skills of Aboriginal students.
 

Agricultural education

The WA College of Agriculture is the flagship of agricultural education in public schools. There are six residential campuses at Cunderin, Denmark, Esperance, Harvey, Morawa and Narrogin.

Each campus has modern facilities located on farms and offers Year 11 and 12 programs for male and female students. Students study a range of subjects which lead to secondary graduation and units of competence from Industry Training Packages.

The college delivers vocational qualifications that focus on agriculture as well as horticulture, viticulture, equine, aquaculture, forestry, building and construction, metals and engineering, and automotive. Each campus offers some programs that can lead to apprenticeships and careers in a range of agriculture related vocations.

The success rate of students is outstanding with nearly all students gaining employment or entry to further courses of study on graduation from the College.

Australia’s ANZAC Tradition

Each year public school secondary students have the chance to travel overseas as part of the Premier’s ANZAC Student Tour. Students visit commemorative sites and battlefields of significance to Australians. While overseas, students also attend a number of ANZAC Day commemorative events.

Students wishing to take part must complete the selection process which includes a written essay of up to 1,000 words about the development of ANZAC Day as a commemorative event of significance to both Australia and WA. Students who proceed to the next phase of the competition are required to prepare a five minute speech based on their essay. Twelve students are chosen annually for the tour. Application forms are also available from schools at the start of Term Two.

The students are ambassadors for WA and help continue the ANZAC tradition when they return to their schools and communities. The tour is part of the WA public schools’ commitment commitment to enshrine ANZAC Day as a day of primary importance to all students.