Gifted and Talented Pathway (GATE)
Music Selective Program and Scholarships
Thank you for your interest. Applications for 2027 are now closed.
HARRISDALE CAMPUS ONLY
The GATE Music Specialist Program is aimed at students with demonstrated experience and a passion to further their Music studies.
Music encourages creativity, enjoyment, greater self-discipline, self-esteem, teamwork, communication skills, time management and a growth mindset.
Carey’s highly respected Music Department offers Music education in a variety of genres, including Contemporary Popular Music, Western Art Classical Music, Jazz Music and Musical Theatre.
Students participate in a variety of music ensembles and bands, and are provided with multiple opportunities to perform during the year – on-site, across Perth and Western Australia, and in National Competitions.
Carey Baptist College has active connections with WAAPA (W.A. Academy of Performing Arts), UWA Conservatorium of Music and the James Morrison Academy, with many Carey Music students accepted into these tertiary institutions following graduation from Carey.
The minimum level of musical standard for a scholarship applicant is AMEB Grade 2, or similar.
“Music Specialist is an opportunity to have extra guidance and more times to play music at school. You can be a part of many bands and extra-curricular activities.” – R.B., GATE Music Specialist student
Important Links
Includes information on programs, timelines, application process, HAST information and sample questions and FAQs.
Application Timeline
YEAR 7 2027 PROGRAM
Applications Open: Mon 20 Oct 2025
Information Session: Tues 10 Feb 2026 | 5-6pm
Applications Close: Thurs 19 Mar 2026 | 4pm
Test and Music Audition Invitations Emailed: Mon 30 March 2026
Test Date: Sat 2 May 2026 | 8:45am-12:10pm
Music Audition Date: Sat 23 May 2026 | 8:30am-5:00pm
Performance Reports Emailed: Tues 2 June 2026
Scholarship Offers: From Mon 8 June 2026
GATE Certificates Sent: Mon 17 Aug 2026
Unsuccessful Notifications Emailed: Mon 13 Oct 2026
GATE Programs
Carey is deeply committed to providing access to incredible educational opportunities to all of our students. Our Gifted and Talented Program offers three programs – REACH, Music Specialist and STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics).
Carey has outstanding teachers and teaching facilities with innovative teaching programs that help to create opportunities for all. The GATE program assists gifted students to reach their potential through integrated and academically rigorous courses that emphasise enrichment, challenge and connection.
Enrolled students who are unsuccessful in being invited to sit the HAST Test or awarded a GATE Scholarship are eligible to be invited to participate in the GATE programs. Students are selected using their Semester reports and Year 5 NAPLAN results.
Scholarships
Scholarships are awarded to a select number of students in these programs. To apply for one of our scholarships, parents need to submit an application. Applications are reviewed by the College and if a student is shortlisted for a scholarship, they will be invited to sit a HAST Aptitude Test. This is produced by the Australian Council for Educational Research and used by over 100 secondary schools in Australia and internationally.
Scholarships are awarded to the highest-performing students on the basis of academic merit and potential. This is determined by their applications (including their Year 5 final school and NAPLAN reports) and the HAST results. The continuation of scholarship will depend on the student’s positive conduct and academic progress.
Successful students will be offered 50% deduction of academic tuition fees for the remainder of their schooling at Carey Baptist College.
