The Gifted and Talented program is offered for the purpose of providing gifted and talented students entering Year 7 in public schools access to a range of programs that meet their specific talents.

As well as the extension and enrichment work in a special program area; students follow a normal course of study in secondary schooling.

The world of music opens up for student taking part in this exciting program which draws participants from across Western Australia. Students develop their ability and love for music through music creation, analysis, performance and reflection and by attending a range of professional performances. All students receive instrumental or vocal tuition and perform at least one choir or instrumental ensemble such as concert band, orchestra, classical guitar or choir. Their performances have won a string of awards and trophies in local, national and international competitions.

ESL Support programs provide support for ESL/ESD students in the mainstream context. A program is established in a mainstream school where there is a significant number of eligible ESL/ESD students. ESL Support Programs are located in a number of primary and secondary schools. Eligible students with a background of limited schooling are entitled to extra support.

Implementation of VET across Australia is in accordance with the set of nationally agreed principles from Principles and Guidelines for Improving Outcomes for Vocational and Technical Education and Training (VTE) in Schools (2005 - 2008).

Vocational Education and Training (VET) in Schools programs are delivered as part of a broad, general education that combines study towards a senior secondary certificate (i.e. the Western Australian Certificate of Education - the WACE) with a nationally recognised VET qualification within the Australian Qualification Framework.

The specific areas identified as priority areas for VET in Schools for action in the Principles and Guidelines include:
* the establishment of VET in Schools by schools not previously involved in the delivery of VET in Schools
* expanding the range and spread of VET in Schools courses offered across industry sectors by schools already involved in the delivery of VET in Schools
* the establishment of VET in Schools courses in new industry areas and in industry areas currently not well subscribed in VET in Schools
* increasing participation in VET in Schools by particular student groups that are difficult to reach and/or service, for example, improving access for students in rural and remote areas and for educationally disadvantaged students including Indigenous students and students with a disability,
* developing strategies to maintain quality standards in VET in Schools including professional development
* increasing participation in School-Based New Apprenticeships (in WA these are called School Based Traineeships) and other trades related vocational courses which relate to skills shortages, and
* addressing areas of skills shortage.

As a Gifted and Talented music school Churchlands SHS acknowledges the correlation between music and academic giftedness.
The school has establish a selective entry academic program based on ACER examinations to select up to 60 students in a humanities stream and up to 60 students in a Maths/science stream. Students can be in either or both extension classes.