Gifted and Talented Academic Program
Our Gifted and Talented Academic Program is designed to identify, nurture, extend the potential of exceptional students, providing them with an enriched educational experience tailored to their specific needs.
The skills, knowledge, and experiences gained through our Gifted and Talented Academic Program prepare students not only for success in higher education but also for leadership roles in their future careers. Harrisdale Senior High School will equip them with the tools they need to excel in an ever-changing world.
Personalised Learning
Our program offers a personalized and differentiated curriculum that challenges and stimulates gifted and talented students academically. We go beyond the standard curriculum, encouraging critical thinking, creativity, communication and advanced problem-solving skills. Dedicated Teacher Support leads the program, and are primary contacts for parents and students. In addition to our trained teachers in Gifted and Talented education, we have a mentor coach who will support the student’s extension programs.
For more information, please email or call us on (08) 9397 8000
Prioritising wellbeing and support
While academic excellence is a core focus, we also emphasise that wellbeing, personal growth, and emotional intelligence needs of our students. Harrisdale Senior High School provides support services to encourage students to prioritise self-care, seek help when needed, and build resilient mindsets.
Our program fosters a supportive community where gifted and talented students can connect, collaborate, and grow together. They have the chance to interact with like-minded peers who share their passion for learning and achievement.
Extra tuition and Study Clubs
We provide an exclusive space for our GAT students to study, work with their peers or get support from teachers.
Study Club: Years 7 -10. Once a week.
MESH Tuition: Years 11 – 12. Variety of sessions throughout the week.
Enriched Incursions and Extracurricular Activities
We offer a range of extracurricular activities designed to further develop students' talents and interests. This includes participation in competitive academic competitions and leadership opportunities
How to apply
The Gifted and Talented Selective Entrance Branch hold an Academic Selective Entrance Test (ASET) each year. The selection process starts when students are in Year 5, when parents can register their interest in their child sitting the test the following year. Testing occurs in Year 6, with placement starting from Year 7. Students are ranked on their results and are offered places by the Gifted and Talented Selective Entrance Branch. When results have been finalised, students are offered places based on their score and preferences. Only when the offer has been accepted, is the school informed of the names of the students cleared to enrol in the Gifted and Talented program.
More information can be found here: https://www.education.wa.edu.au/gifted-and-talented
While the tests are hosted by schools around Perth in March of each year, marking, ranking and offers are handled by the Gifted and Talented Selective Entrance Branch.
Parent information evenings will be held from Tuesday 15 October to Thursday 21 November 2024. Bookings are essential.
Harrisdale Senior High School is hosting on Wednesday 16 October 2024. BOOK HERE!
Harrisdale SHS is proudly one of the largest testing venues and hosts Year 7 and ‘Top-Up Testing’ for students who are seeking entry to a program from Year 9 to 11. Over 1,000 students a year, come through our testing venue. https://www.education.wa.edu.au/en/gifted-and-talented/testing