The Higher Ability Selection Test (HAST) and Gifted and Talented (GATE) are tests that are conducted to test and select students that are gifted and talented. There are some websites that provide the HAST practice tests in Qld and the Gate practice tests WA so that the students can prepare well. Now let’s see what these tests are about.
GATE is an entrance program that stands for the Gifted and Talented Secondary Selective Entry Program in 18 public schools in Western Australia. This test is mainly meant for the students of grade 6 for entry into year 7, although students in Year 8, 9 and 10 can also participate to move to a gifted program. This exam is usually held in the month of March and the results are posted by the end of May or at the beginning of June.
There are a total of 24 selective schools with various Gifted and Talented Programs and these schools that give admission to GATE students are:
School | Program | Max Number of places |
Albany Senior High School | Academic | 32 |
Alkimos College | Academic | 32 |
Applecross Senior High School | Visual Arts | 28 |
Balcatta Senior High School | Visual Arts | 32 |
Bob Hawke College | Academic | 32 |
Bunbury Senior High School | Academic | 32 |
Churchlands Senior High School | Music | 50 |
Carine Senior High School | Academic | 32 |
Comet Bay College | Academic | 32 |
Duncraig Senior High School | Academic | 32 |
Ellenbrook Secondary College | Academic | 32 |
Fremantle College | Academic | 32 |
Governor Stirling Senior High School | Academic | 32 |
Hampton Senior High School | Dance | 32 |
Harrisdale Senior High School | Academic | 32 |
John Curtin College of the Arts | Music | 40 |
John Curtin College of the Arts | Visual Arts | 25 |
John Curtin College of the Arts | Dance | 50 |
John Curtin College of the Arts | Music Theatre | 25 |
John Curtin College of the Arts | Drama | 75 |
John Curtin College of the Arts | Media Arts | 25 |
Kalamunda Senior High School | Visual Arts | 32 |
Kelmscott Senior High School | Academic | 32 |
Melville Senior High School | Academic | 32 |
Mount Lawley Senior High School | Languages | 32 |
Perth Modern School | Academic | 225 |
Rossmoyne Senior High School | Languages | 40 |
Shenton College | Academic | 64 |
Willetton Senior High School | Academic | 64 |
Online | Academic | See below* |
If a student wants to get into any of these prestigious schools, they need to sit for the Academic Selective Entrance Test (ASET) which includes these four parts:
- Reading Comprehension
- Communicating Ideas in writing
- Quantitative Reasoning
- Abstract Reasoning
A student who is hoping to clear this test must be good in Mathematics and English. He/ She must have the qualities to quickly solve the question by any shortcut method and make sure when they are writing something, it must be creative and demonstrates language competency.
In order to exceed the cut-off, one must study consistently, with many high-ability students already starting their preparation six or twelve months before the exam. An academically gifted student must not feel overconfident as sometimes even an average student could surpass them with good preparation.
HAST is an entry-level test developed by ACER if a student wishes to enroll in classes 8-11in Queensland. Different test programs have been developed for different levels. Year 7 students wanting to get into the Year 8 program need to take the junior secondary HAST test. Students of grades 8 and 9 are required to take the Middle Secondary HAST test to get into 9 and 10 respectively. Year 10 and 11 students wanting to get into Year 11 and 12 need to take the Senior Secondary Test.
The HAST test includes four parts:
- Mathematical Reasoning
- Reading Comprehension
- Abstract Reasoning
- Written Expression
Practice, Practice, Practice!
As a parent, you can now appreciate the importance of these tests in the life of a primary and secondary grade student. Although these are hard tests there is always a way out, and the most obvious one is hard work, but along with the hard work, you need the resources to study. HAST practice tests Qld and GATE practice tests WA are available online. So, no student needs to worry about it, these tests would help you achieve the success you want, remember even an average student can get above the cut-off with diligent effort.