Perth Modern School
Excellence in Education
Perth Modern School is Western Australia's only fully academically selective school for gifted secondary students.
The academic program commenced in 2007 with the first full cohort graduating in 2011.
Our school has strong academic, music, sporting, cultural, leadership and community service programs and students achieve outstanding results at the State, National and International level. Students are Australian residents and hail from both city and country locations. Students must sit an Academic Selective Entrance Test coordinated by the Department of Education to be offered a place at Perth Modern School.
School Vision
Perth Modern School's purpose is to nurture a love of learning in order to develop academicaly gifted and talented students enabling them to reach their full academic potential. We aspire to develop engaged, creative, independent lifelong learners who will be contributing and responsible members of the global community.
The Perth Modern School experience refelcts both an exceptional academic outcome and exceptional 'rounded' experience in a co-educational environment.
Music Program
The Perth Modern School Music program began in 1968 and is internationally renowned.
Every three years, students have the opportunity to attend the European Music Tour and visit a variety of European countries wher they perform in world acclaimed venues. Students also partipcate in ANZAC Day services.
Students excel in a variety of choirs, orchestras, bands and ensembles. Students must be offered a place at the school before auditioning for the music program.
Enrichment
Perth Modern School embraces enrichment opportunities that broadens the range of experiences for all students, and encourages expansion of knowledge and skills in the regular teaching and learning program.
Gifted and talented students are enabled to participate in learning based on their own performance and skills. Enrichment activities include:
• Clubs including chess, drama, techno, enviironnment, art, languages, sport and many more
• State, national and international competitions
• Incursions and excursions
• Guest speaker program
• Hands-on experience
• National and International tours
• Information Communication Technology (ICT)
• Well equipped library
WACE Performance
Students consistently achieve excellent academic results and in 2016, 2017, 2018, 2019, 2020 and 2021 the school topped the academic league table for the West Australian Certificate Education (WACE). A student from Perth Modern School has been awarded the Beazley medal: WACE in 2010, 2014, 2015, 2016, 2018, 2021 and 2022. Our students have been the recipients of a variety of prestigious scholarships to top ranking universities including the Australian National University, Melbourne University, University of Sydney and The University of Western Australia. Students have also obtained entry to the University of Cambridge and Oxford University.
Student Wellbeing
At Perth Modern School, we have adopted a comprehensive whole-school approach to wellbeing, recognising the importance of a shared language and collective effort. This approach aims to create a culture where students, staff, and the wider school community thrive in all aspects of their lives. Research suggests that a whole-school approach to wellbeing leads to positive outcomes in terms of a strong sense of academic achievement, emotional wellbeing, and positive relationships within the school community.
To achieve our vision of fostering wellbeing, we have implemented the Thriving Minds program, which integrates the principles of positive psychology, neuroscience and evidence-based pedagogy. The Thriving Minds program is organised around six key domains, known as PERMA-H, which encompasses various aspects of well-being. These domains include:
Positive Emotions: Research shows that cultivating positive emotions enhances psychological wellbeing and resilience.
Engagement: The state of engagement, characterized by being fully absorbed and immersed in activities, is associated with increased motivation, academic performance, and overall wellbeing.
Relationships: Strong and supportive relationships contribute significantly to wellbeing and social connectedness.
Meaning: Finding purpose and meaning in life is associated with greater life satisfaction, personal growth, and wellbeing.
Accomplishment: Setting and achieving goals, along with experiencing a sense of accomplishment, are linked to higher levels of self-esteem, motivation, and wellbeing.
Health: Physical health is closely intertwined with mental wellbeing, and research consistently highlights the bidirectional relationship between the two. In this domain, we focus on sleep, nutrition, exercise and the mind-body connection.
The principles of the Thriving Minds philosophy are relevant and applicable across all aspects of school and personal life. By implementing evidence-based practices informed by positive psychology and wellbeing research, we aim to create an environment where all members of our school community can flourish.