Gifted and Talented Secondary Selective Entrance Program
Bob Hawke College has been selected to host one of public education’s most highly regarded programs – the Gifted and Talented Academic Program, for students with exceptional academic ability.
“Be Extraordinary Together”
The GAT program applies our school motto to support students identified as gifted to be the best version of themselves in an inclusive environment.
“No Australian child need go through life frustrated and diminished by not having had a chance to develop his or her full talents.” (Bob Hawke)
Our teaching will respond to the diverse needs of our students through the application of contemporary, evidence-based practices delivered by master teachers who are experts in their content areas and demonstrate a commitment to being lifelong learners. Our aim is to foster an environment that equips students with the skills needed to be successful not just in school, but in whatever post-school pathway they choose, and throughout their lives.
The program provides challenging curriculum experiences in English, Mathematics, Science, Humanities, and Social Sciences. Students will be placed in a dedicated GAT class in Years 7-9, working closely with our Academic Challenge Program students. In addition, they will have the opportunity to participate in a wide variety of enrichment and extension activities, including competitions and excursions.
Lessons led by inquiry questions and designed to foster creative and critical thinking are embedded in our curricula, along with access to self-paced learning and interdisciplinary projects. These elements help students take agency over their learning and engage meaningfully, preparing them for the modern world.
Students will also take part, alongside all Bob Hawke students, in our CREW curriculum, designed to help students build healthy and meaningful connections supporting their journey into adulthood
Selection is through the Department of Education and more information can be found on the Department of Education’s website.
Learn more about the College educational vision, values and teaching and learning philosophy and what Bob Hawke College can offer you and your child in 2026. Please register here for the Gifted and Talented Program Tour taking place on Friday 29 November 2024, from 9:00 – 10:45am.
Bob Hawke Regional Academic Scholarships
Throughout his life, Bob Hawke pursued knowledge, excellence and life-long learning. His advocacy for young Australians and education is the inspiration for this scholarship and is offered as a support to pursue an extraordinary future through study at Bob Hawke College.
Two annual Bob Hawke Regional Academic Scholarships are awarded to students in recognition of successful application into the College’s Gifted and Talented Academic Program.
Students from regional and remote Western Australia, applying for enrolment at Bob Hawke College through the Gifted and Talented Academic Program, are eligible for a scholarship to meet the cost of boarding at the Department of Education’s City Beach Residential College. The two highest ranking Gifted and Talented students are awarded the scholarship for the duration of their enrolment at Bob Hawke College. Ranking is determined by the results of the Department of Education’s Gifted and Talented academic selection process for entry into the program at Year 7 level.
Scholarships are valid up to six (6) years on condition of maintaining boarding status at City Beach Residential College and application for State and Australian Government financial assistance or subsidy allowances. All families of regional and remote Gifted and Talented students will be contacted by the College upon receiving an offer of enrolment and provided information about their eligibility.
Recipients of a Bob Hawke Regional Academic Scholarship will receive first priority for a boarding position at City Beach Residential College. Further information about boarding and the application process is available from the City Beach Residential College website.
Academic Challenge Program
All students and classes at the College feature differentiated learning suited to the needs of the student. Our Academic Challenge Program (ACP) complements the Gifted and Talented Academic Program.
The Academic Challenge Program provides an appropriate level of challenge for students with exceptional academic ability.
Students in the Academic Challenge Program are provided with a differentiated program, including extension, enrichment, acceleration and appropriate challenge in Mathematics, English, Science, and Humanities and Social Sciences.
All students enrolling at the College undertake Learner Profile testing to assess their learning needs and inform curriculum planning. Testing identifies students’ cognitive processing, abstract thinking and reasoning skills. There are three components to the testing: Quantitative, Verbal and Non-Verbal. The selection process for the Academic Challenge Program is informed by results from each student’s learner profile assessment, NAPLAN, Gifted and Talented process results (where applicable) and similar diagnostic results.
Application is available upon local intake enrolment.
Interest in being offered a place in the Academic Challenge Program is indicated through the enrolment process and is available to students eligible to enrol at the College. A Learner Profile testing session will be held at the College on Friday 13 September between 9:30am and 12:30pm. Booking details will be provided to parents upon enrolment.
For further information, please contact the College by email BobHawke.Col.enrolments@education.wa.edu.au
