Approved Specialist Programs
Approved Specialist Programs
There are more than 100 Approved Specialist Programs at 56 schools across Western Australia.
Sports, arts, academic and applied Approved Specialist Programs give children real-world skills and a head start in reaching their career goals.
Many programs are linked to sporting and industry bodies and training organisations, allowing children to gain industry recognised qualifications. Teachers and coaches are adept at recognising and developing children’s skills in their areas of interest.
Children can select pathways that prepare them for full-time employment or trades, or future study at training organisations or university.
From aviation to music and from engineering to cricket, the programs are challenging and exciting. Graduates have gone on to become professional athletes, pilots, cinematographers, fashion designers, marine biologists, sports coaches and more.
View the full list of Approved Specialist Programs and the schools that offer them below.
- Approved Academic and Applied Specialist Programs
- Approved Arts Specialist Programs
- Approved Sports Specialist Programs
- Selection and how to apply
There are a number of programs including information and communication technology (ICT), agriculture, aviation, marine studies, environmental life studies and hospitality to name just a few.
Many programs include workplace learning which will allow your children to achieve nationally accredited qualifications which can be used in the workplace, in a trade or for further study.
Programs are enriched and endorsed by leading organisations creating essential links to the workforce and tertiary education.
List of programs available:
| Program | School |
|---|---|
| Advanced curriculum enrichment This program promotes higher level thinking skills and academic achievement in English, mathematics, society and environment and science. | Ballajura Community College |
| Advanced technology and design This program enables children to develop their academic skills and demonstrate their creativity by teaching them to design and create industry standard products. | Warnbro Community High School |
| Agriculture The agriculture program provides children with an in-depth background in farming and agricultural science. | |
| Aviation The aviation program teaches children skills including engineering, learning to fly and the skills needed to enter the aviation industry. | |
| Engineering Children gain the knowledge and skills to develop and design electrical machines, products and systems. | |
| Enriched mathematics, information technology and science (EMiTS) EMiTS is an academic based program specialising in science and mathematics and is designed for children with above average ability in these areas. The program aims to build children’s knowledge and prepare them for further studies at university. | Como Secondary College |
| Environmental life sciences Children combine hands on experiences with academic learning, teaching them to become the environmental advocates, scientists and politicians of the future. | Lynwood Senior High School |
| Health and medical program Children with an interest in the health profession are given a realistic picture of what it is like to work in the industry. They have the opportunity to study mathematics, science and health subjects with a medical focus. | Manea Senior College |
| Information and communication technology This program gives children access to the latest technology, methods, content delivery and opportunities to explore this exciting fast paced industry. | |
| Japanese program Children expand their knowledge, skills and understanding of the Japanese language and culture in this program. | Leeming Senior High School |
| LEAP (Lesmurdie extension and acceleration (science and mathematics)) LEAP provides academic and practical extension in science and mathematics, including problem solving, model making and field work. | Lesmurdie Senior High School |
| Marine studies Children combine theoretical and practical programs in marine studies including oceanography, navigation, marine biology and sustainability, as well as giving children the opportunity to obtain scuba qualifications. | |
| Maritime studies Children develop an understanding of the maritime environment with study including aquatics, snorkelling, boating and kayaking. | Rockingham Senior High School |
| Mathematics program Children who have an exceptional aptitude in mathematics will thrive in this program. | Rossmoyne Senior High School |
| Mathematics and philosophy This program embeds philosophical concepts in the context of a structured lower school mathematics program. | Australind Senior High School |
| Mining alliance program Children gain the skills and experience to work in the mining industry before continuing their studies in an apprenticeship or at university. | Newman Senior High School |
| Science and technology program Children in this program become members of the Science and Technology Academy, providing them with opportunities to participate in programs, competitions and research projects. | Leeming Senior High School |
| Science horizons This academic based program provides extensions in science and mathematics. It is for children with above average abilities in these areas who are encouraged to think ‘outside the box’. | Newton Moore Senior High School |
| Surf science This program extends children’s knowledge in the areas of mathematics and science. The program is for children with above average ability in these areas. There is a strong focus on preparing children for further study. | John Tonkin College |
There is a huge selection of Approved Specialist Arts Programs to exercise your children’s talents and stretch their individuality and creative boundaries.
Imagine your child being a world-class fashion designer or a renowned television producer! Or perhaps music, broadcasting, visual and performing arts or photography might hold the key for success.
The learning environment provides outstanding facilities. Classes can include workshops, studio work, competitions, enrichment opportunities and mentoring sessions by visiting professionals who provide real insight into the life of the artistic professional.
List of subjects available:
| Program | School |
|---|---|
| Arts media Children who enjoy working with, and want to develop, their film, multimedia, visual arts and animation skills will thrive in this program. It integrates visual arts and media into a practical focus, using digital tools and computer technology. | Governor Stirling Senior High School |
| Contemporary drama - arts Contemporary drama introduces children to the practical world of theatre, including acting, stage management and production design. | Belmont City College |
| Classical music | Rossmoyne Senior High School |
| Contemporary music This program is for children who play a musical instrument and wish to develop their performance skills (solo and ensemble). | |
| Creative arts Children explore 2 types of creative arts: studio work (media, multimedia and visual arts) and performance (dance, drama and music). | Warnbro Community High School |
| Dance The dance program gives children the freedom to express and learn dance forms and techniques. Children develop skills in contemporary dance, choreography, improvisation, jazz and classical dance. | Balcatta Senior High School |
| Digital film and technology This program offers an in-depth study of the theoretical and practical world of film and television such as cinematography, editing, writing for screen and acting for screen. | Roleystone Community College |
| Drama Children are provided with an outline of all elements of theatre including acting and production design. | Swan View Senior High School |
| Fashion design Children have the opportunity to develop their knowledge, skills and creativity in fashion, as well as apply and link these skills to practical applications. | |
| Geographe Bay Music This program is for children who are currently learning a musical instrument and wish to continue to develop their skills and learn composition, arrangement and production. | Busselton Senior High School |
| Graphic design media This program develops children’s knowledge, skills and creativity in design through the use of state-of-the-art computer software programs and practical applications to tackle real-life situations. | Melville Senior High School |
| Instrumental music and voice This program provides opportunities for both ongoing and beginner instrumental or voice students to develop their skills to a high level in the areas of performance, theory, composition and music literature. | Ellenbrook Secondary College |
| Jazz music The jazz music program develops children’s appreciation of jazz music at a high level. | |
| Media Arts Design Academy Children engage in drawing, digital photography, multimedia design and television production. | Morley Senior High School |
| Music This program is for children who are currently learning a musical instrument and wish to continue to develop their skills and learn composition, arrangement and production. | Eastern Hills Senior High School |
| Music technology This program aims to create the recording artists and music industry professionals of the future. It teaches students all aspects of the modern music industry including theory and analysis, performance, recording, sound editing and sound design for film and music. | Lakeland Senior High School |
| Performing arts This program provides children with the opportunity to develop skills and creativity in dance, drama and music. | |
| Special arts program This collaborative and integrated arts program includes music, dance, drama and visual arts. | Hedland Senior High School |
| Visual arts This comprehensive program allows children to learn a range of visual arts styles including drawing, painting and graphic design. | |
| Visual and performing arts This program teaches a broad array of visual and performing arts including drama, music and visual arts. | Mount Lawley Senior High School |
If your child is ready to take up the challenge of sports, they will get more than just physical activity.
Our Approved Specialist Sports Programs develop character, teach technical skills and self-discipline, and nurture a love of sport.
When your child graduates, they will have the opportunity and skills to pursue a career in sports science, physiotherapy, coaching, teaching, human movement, exercise science and, with determination and commitment, become a professional athlete.
These programs enable children to compete at the highest levels and develop their skills as athletes both on the field and in the classroom. In addition, they can choose to complete nationally recognised qualifications, such as umpiring, first aid, sports medicine and sports strategy.
And just to show how serious we are about developing young athletes, all programs have strong links to, or are endorsed by, peak sporting bodies.
List of subjects available:
| Program | School |
|---|---|
| Adventure recreation program This program uses the great Australian outdoors as its classroom. Children develop leadership and self-esteem while also fostering an awareness of environmental issues. | Warnbro Community High School |
| Outdoor adventure program Children are given the skills and knowledge to participate in a wide range of outdoor activities. It is for children who have a strong interest in physical activity and learning about our unique environment. | Kalamunda Senior High School |
| Bunbury Elite Sports Training (BEST) program BEST targets athletic conditioning and performance for a range of sporting fields, by applying sports science. As well as physical development, the program offers an understanding of nutrition, injury management, play strategies, sports psychology and coaching. | Bunbury Senior High School |
Individual sports programs
These individual sports programs not only teach children to play the chosen sport to the best of their ability, but also game strategy, umpiring, coaching, fitness, event and team management and sports first aid.
| Program | School |
|---|---|
| Australian rules football | |
| Baseball | |
| Basketball | |
| Cheer dance | |
| Cricket | |
| Golf | Como Secondary College |
| Hockey | Como Secondary College |
| Netball | |
| Rugby | Thornlie Senior High School |
| Soccer | |
| Surfing | Margaret River Senior High School |
| Swimming | Darling Range Sports College |
| Tennis | |
| Touch rugby | Lakeland Senior High School |
| Triathlon | Duncraig Senior High School |
| Volleyball |
Children may apply for these programs no matter where they live in the state.
Selection into a program does not guarantee a place at the school if the child lives outside the local area.
All schools guarantee places for children in their local intake areas as the first priority. After taking local enrolments, a school may then take enrolments from children selected for Approved Specialist Programs who live outside the local area if the school has capacity.
To find out more about the programs that interest your child, including when applications open and entry processes, please contact the relevant school or check the school website for more information.
How to apply
Applications are made directly to schools. As every program is unique, application processes and closing dates vary.