The program, which is being offered in a public regional school for the first time, offers Western Australia’s brightest learners the opportunity to be part of an elite academic education program.

Bunbury Senior High School deputy principal Susanne Vaughan said that initial feedback from students had been resoundingly positive.

“The students are enthusiastic to not only begin their high school lives, but are looking forward to the challenges that the Gifted and Talented program will inevitably bring,” Susanne said.

“They’ve certainly hit the ground running in their first week. The group of 12 students, have already entered a team in the Future Problem Solving Program Australia initiative, focussing on the area of global issues.”

Department of Education Director General Sharyn O’Neill said that launching the Gifted and Talented Program in a regional school was a significant step towards broadening educational opportunities for country students.

“Bunbury Senior High School students now have access to a program that will complement the existing programs offered at 16 select public schools in the metropolitan area.” Ms O’Neill said.

An information evening for future enrolments is being held at Bunbury Senior High School on Thursday 28 February 2013 at 6.30pm. Please contact the school for further information.

Applications are now open for 2015 Gifted and Talented Programs and close at 12noon on Tuesday 5 March 2013.

For more information on Gifted and Talented Programs visit the website.

Photo: Bunbury Senior High School students particpating in a Gifted and Talented class.