Gifted and Talented Program offered in country WA for the first time

For the first time ever, a country school will deliver a program targeted at the State's highest achieving students, following an announcement today by Education Minister Liz Constable.

Dr Constable said the new program at Bunbury Senior High School would complement the existing Gifted and Talented Programs run by 16 select public schools in the Perth metropolitan area. Students from the South-West education region are encouraged to apply.

"Gifted and Talented Programs offer exceptional students the opportunity to study a rigorous academic, languages or arts curriculum," she said.

"Students are taught by experienced teachers with specialist knowledge, study with other gifted children and enjoy a rich learning environment that is challenging, stimulating and designed specifically for their needs.

"The new program at Bunbury Senior High School will offer students with a special gift in maths, science or humanities the opportunity to extend their analytical, critical and creative thinking skills with more advanced and in-depth study.

"By offering this program from a country school for the first time, we are significantly broadening educational opportunities for students.

"This is yet another example of the State Government's commitment to delivering programs close to where they are needed."

The program has delivered exceptional results. More than 80 per cent of the 100 public school students who achieved an Australian Tertiary Admissions Rank of 99 or more in 2010 attended schools with a Gifted and Talented program.

The program has access to and links with universities and industry which helps enrich participants' learning experiences.  WACE academic Beazley Medal winner in 2010 Michael Taran credits the program with helping him to excel at his studies.

Currently country students selected to participate in the program have to move to Perth to take part or participate online only.

The Minister said students in year six this year would be able to apply for Bunbury Senior High School's Gifted and Talented Program for year eight entry in 2013.

Students are offered places depending on their Academic Selective Entrance Test score.

"Applications will be accepted from across the State from Monday, April 4 until Friday, May 6, and testing for the program will take place in Bunbury on Saturday, May 28," Dr Constable said.

For more information on the program, go to http://www.det.wa.edu.au/curriculumsupport/giftedandtalented

Minister's office  - 9222 9699