HARRISDALE Senior High School will be fast-tracked from infancy to provide an elite academic pathway for students.
Education Minister Sue Ellery today confirmed the school will offer a gifted and talented education (GATE) academic program from 2021.
There are only 12 other high schools within WA offer the academic pathway of the program, including the institution labelled by The West Australian as the state’s top school, Willetton Senior High School.
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As part of the GATE program, the school will offer expanded learning opportunities in English, humanities and social sciences, mathematics and science.
Jandakot MLA Yaz Mubarakai, who had previously spoken in State Parliament about the school’s desire to offer the program, said it was a momentous occasion for a school that was just two years old.
“Harrisdale Senior High School has dedicated, capable staff who have a strong capacity to deliver quality teaching and learning programs to students,” he said.
“This program will give academically exceptional students an education option close to home so they don’t have to travel outside the local area for a school that suits their needs.
“This has been a great outcome for the grassroots campaign by key stakeholders in my electorate of Jandakot, the school principal, board, local P&Cs and local community members.”
Ms Ellery said the Government wanted to ensure schools offering GATE programs were evenly spread across Perth.
“A high proportion of gifted and talented programs are based at schools in the inner metropolitan region, so I am pleased this will be offered for students in the south,” she said.
The first intake in 2021 will involve up to 32 Year 7 students.
The final stage of the school’s construction, which includes a new STEM (science, technology, engineering and maths) centre, is scheduled to be completed next year.