A student’s perspective: The problem with WA’s selective schools

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Selective schools are meant to be a beacon of merit. But they’ve become something else.

Twenty-four schools in WA offer Gifted and Talented (GATE) Programs, but by far the most competitive is Perth Modern, the only fully selective school in the state.

It consistently tops the ATAR rankings, and last year 10 out of 18 students with the highest ATARs graduated from it.

It offers the academic prestige of an elite private school for free, so the competition for spots is fierce.

A recent online survey my brother and I conducted of Perth Modern students shows that 45 per cent currently receive tutoring, and 30 per cent have previously.

The Department of Education says GATE tests........

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