Participating in an academic program means your child can:

• Study in a niche enriched environment.
• Receive individual curriculum attention.
• Have access and links with universities.
• Have contact with leading industry professionals.
• Take part in competitions at national and international levels; and
• Excursion which challenge and engage.

Students participating in the Gifted and Talented Secondary Selective Entrance Programs are offered a variety of excursions and tours to suit their chosen learning path, including:

HaveSumFun Mathematics Competition
The HaveSumFun Competition gives students the chance to work together to solve challenging mathematics problems in a fun and engaging team environment.

The competition is run by the Mathematical Association of Western Australia (MAWA), an organisation that supports mathematics education across the state. Through events like HaveSumFun, students can develop their problem-solving skills, build confidence in mathematics, and enjoy working collaboratively with their peers.

IGNIS Mission Student Internship Program
The IGNIS Mission Student Internship Program gives students in Years 7–11 the opportunity to gain real-world STEM experience while working alongside scientists and engineers.

Through the program, students develop critical thinking, problem-solving, teamwork, and communication skills while collaborating with students from other schools across Western Australia. They also learn how STEM is used to solve real-world challenges and gain valuable insights into the aerospace industry.

As part of the program, students help assemble and test equipment, deploy sensors, and analyse data collected from ground stations and test flights.

ETAWA Economics Competition
The ETAWA Economics Multiple Choice Competition gives students the opportunity to test their knowledge of economics and business while competing against students from across Western Australia.

The competition is run by the Economics Teachers’ Association of Western Australia (ETAWA), an organisation that supports economics education in schools. It aims to help students understand how economics influences everyday life, develop their decision-making skills, and build a greater understanding of the world around them.

Year 9 and 10 GAT Albany Tour
During the Albany Tour, students explored important historical, cultural, and environmental sites across the Great Southern region.

Highlights included visits to Convoy Lookout, the National Anzac Centre, the Brig Amity, and the ancient Menang Noongar fish traps at Oyster Harbour, where students learned about Australia’s history and Indigenous knowledge.

Students also enjoyed the Tree Top Walk, taking part in discussions about sustainability and the environment, while many challenged themselves by overcoming their fear of heights. Another highlight was an Eco Cruise on the Walpole Inlet, where students helped remove invasive weeds as part of a conservation project.

The tour concluded with visits to the Whaling Museum and The Gap, where students were lucky enough to see a whale breaching offshore, followed by a group dinner to celebrate the experience.

Year 9 and 10 Canberra Tour
The Year 9 and 10 Canberra Tour gives students the opportunity to explore Australia’s history, government, culture, and national identity through visits to some of the country’s most significant institutions.

Students visit a range of iconic locations, including the High Court of Australia, the National Portrait Gallery, the National Gallery of Australia, Old Parliament House, the Australian National Botanic Gardens, and many other important landmarks. These experiences bring classroom learning to life and help students develop a deeper understanding of Australia’s history, democracy, and culture.

Girls in Engineering (GiE) Outreach Workshop
The Girls in Engineering (GiE) Outreach Workshop introduces students to the exciting world of engineering and the wide range of career opportunities available in the field.

Students work alongside current university students and industry professionals who volunteer as mentors and role models, sharing their experiences and pathways into engineering. Through hands-on activities and engineering challenges, students collaborate in teams to solve real-world problems while developing their creativity, critical thinking, and teamwork skills.

As part of the program, students may also attend UWA Discovery Days, where they participate in interactive engineering activities led by industry partners, academics, and student societies. Guest speakers and engineering graduates share their stories and demonstrate how engineering plays a vital role in improving lives and shaping the future.

UWA and ECU Excursions and Workshops
Students participate in a range of excursions and workshops at local universities, providing valuable insight into tertiary study and future career pathways.

These experiences include specialised outreach programs, guided campus tours, interactive workshops, and immersive study experiences designed to extend academic learning and engagement. Through hands-on activities and exposure to university life, students gain a deeper understanding of higher education opportunities and are encouraged to explore their future aspirations with confidence.

Expert Teaching and Support

Our Academic Gifted and Talented Program is built on proven research and best practice in gifted education. We work closely with leading experts in the field and follow guidance from the Gifted Education Research, Resource and Information Centre (GERRIC) at the University of New South Wales.

Our GAT teachers are highly trained and are passionate about helping students reach their full potential. Through ongoing professional learning, they continue to develop their expertise and provide engaging, challenging, and supportive learning experiences for all students.

Additional Programs

All students enrolled under this program will have the advantage of access into our school’s Approved Specialist Programs of Engineering, Artsmedia and Football. Students will also have access to our school-based programs of Music and Netball.

Students have the opportunity to develop their academic ability, work parallel with our Specialist Programs and excel in the areas of; Mathematics, Science, English and the Humanities and Social Sciences.

Entry into the Academic Gifted and Talented (GAT) Program at Governor Stirling Senior High School is based on a student’s performance in the Academic Selective Entrance Test (ASET), which is completed in Year 6. The ASET is the entry pathway for all Gifted and Talented Academic Programs in Western Australia.

To lodge an application, click here:

Lodge an application – Department of Education

The test includes four areas: Reading Comprehension, Written Expression, Quantitative Reasoning, and Abstract Reasoning. It is held in Term 1 each year at various locations, including Governor Stirling SHS.
Students from any area of Western Australia can apply. Offers are made throughout the year based on ASET results and the school preferences selected during the application process.

Once an offer is accepted, families must complete the school’s enrolment process through the front office or online through the Enrolements tab of this website.

Please note that while Governor Stirling SHS may host ASET testing, all testing, marking, rankings, and offers are managed by the Western Australian Gifted and Talented Selection Unit.