Inspiring students to reach for their purpose.
Gifted & Talented
PROGRAMS
Secondary Gifted and Talented Program
The SCBC GATE program is designed to cultivate and elevate the potential of gifted and high-achieving students, empowering them to transform their abilities into exceptional talents through our RISE Framework.
Mission
Central to this dynamic journey is a robust slate of academic competitions throughout the year, providing students with the chance to showcase their skills, compete at the highest levels, and push their intellectual boundaries.
By connecting learning to real-world applications and fostering strong industry and educational partnerships, we create an environment that is both challenging and inspiring.
The specialised curriculum encourages students to engage with advanced concepts, solve complex problems, and collaborate in meaningful ways.
With a focus on developing critical thinking, research, communication, and metacognitive skills, our students are not only prepared to excel academically but are also equipped to become innovative thinkers and future leaders who will thrive in an ever-evolving world.
RISE Framework
Relevant and real-world application
- Applying learning to current and world issues
- Participation in academic competitions
Industry and educational connection
- Extending the learning experience through excursions and incursions
- Collaborating with universities and businesses to work on projects and research
Specialised curriculum
- Different work – not more work
- Project-based learning and skills development
Engaging and collaborative environment
- Dedicated GATE classes twice a week
- Academic rigour and mentoring
Competitions, Projects and Activities
Da Vinci Decathlon
The da Vinci Decathlon is an academic competition designed to challenge and stimulate the minds of students in Years 5 – 11.
Students compete in teams of eight across 10 disciplines: Engineering, Mathematics and Chess, Code Breaking, Art and Poetry, Science, English, Ideation, Creative Producers, Cartography and Legacy.
SUBS in Schools
SUBS in Schools Technology ChallengeTM is the result of collaboration between REA, the Department of Defence and industry stakeholders including the Australian Submarine Corporation and Saab Australia.
Students explore the complex challenges of maritime engineering and hydrodynamics using coding and electronics as they design and build operational submarines and ROV’s.
Mock Trial Competition
The MTC is a role-playing activity run by the Law Society, in which teams of school students take on the roles of barristers, instructing solicitors, witnesses and court staff to present both sides of a fictitious case before a mock trial judge in a real courtroom.
The MTC is recognised by the School Curriculum and Standards (SCSA) as a Provider-developed endorsed program which means students could earn WACE credits.
VEX Robotics
Beyond science and engineering principles, VEX encourages creativity, teamwork, leadership, and problem-solving among groups.
VEXcode is designed to make coding easy and engaging for everyone using either Block-based coding, Switch Blocks and Text-based coding.
Passion Project
The passion project is a self-directed, independent project that allows students to explore and develop a topic or activity they are deeply interested in or passionate about.
Skills Development
Research
Enhances students’ ability to gather, analyse, and apply information effectively, fostering critical thinking and informed decision-making.
Communication
Develops clarity and confidence in expressing ideas, enabling students to engage effectively in academic, professional, and social contexts.
Problem Solving
Builds resilience and adaptability by teaching students to approach challenges with creativity and logic, preparing them for complex, real-world scenarios.
Collaboration
Encourages teamwork and interpersonal skills, essential for thriving in diverse environments and achieving shared goals.
Metacognition
Promotes self-awareness and reflective thinking, empowering students to take ownership of their learning and continuously improve.
Beyond GATE
- Students will benefit from additional curriculum extension should they be placed in Advanced classes for Mathematics, English, Science, and Humanities & Social Sciences.
- Students will be provided with academic coaching from their classroom teachers where students’ progress will be monitored with periodic check-ins to see what areas they require additional support.
- Subject-specific competitions will further challenge students as they compete against other schools across various competition platforms.
- Additional Co-curricular options that GATE students are encouraged to participate in include the Hack-a-thon, Cyber Security Capture the Flag, Solar Car Challenge and Rigorous Minds Study Club.
Entry Pathways
Acknowledging giftedness can be displayed across many domains, there are three entry pathways.
Academic Testing
The ACER Scholarship Test will be conducted in March each year as part of the scholarship process. Based on the results, students could be offered placement into the GATE Program.
Students who are in Year 5 in 2024 can apply for a 2026 intake.
Portfolio Entry
Portfolio Entry is for students who missed the testing window or present giftedness across various domains. The application process and required evidence to be submitted is outlined on using the link below.
Nominations
Nominations are for current SCBC students who display elements of giftedness or are high-achieving. A committee is responsible for reviewing staff nominations and determining placement into the GATE Program.
Get in touch today
Contact enrolmentssecondary@scbc.wa.edu.au, or call us on 9540 4400 for more information about our exceptional program.
