Palm Beach Currumbin State High: how does the Academic Excellence test work?
Independent. Not affiliated with Palm Beach Currumbin State High School, the Queensland Department of Education or ACER.
Palm Beach Currumbin State High School weighs NAPLAN, HAST results and the report card1PBC SHS · 12 October 2026 · Published for Year 7 Academic Excellence, then shortlists children for a group task and interview. For Year 7 in 2028, the HAST date is not published1PBC SHS · 12 October 2026 · Not published.
How does Academic Excellence entry work at PBC?
Entry is competitive, and no single result decides it. PBC weighs NAPLAN, HAST results and the report card1PBC SHS · 12 October 2026 · Published together, then meets a shortlist in person. 1PBC SHS · 12 October 2026 · Published
Apply for Academic Excellence
Choose the Integrated Learning Program or the Dual Program when you apply. 1PBC SHS · 12 October 2026 · Published
Sit the HAST
ACER's test in four parts: Abstract Reasoning, Mathematical Reasoning, Writing and Reading Comprehension1PBC SHS · 12 October 2026 · Published.
The school weighs three sources
HAST results are read with NAPLAN and school reports. 1PBC SHS · 12 October 2026 · Published
Group task and interview
Shortlisted children do a group problem-solving task and a personal interview. 1PBC SHS · 12 October 2026 · Published
What does PBC look for in each piece of evidence?
Each source adds part of the picture. The school says what it looks for in reports and NAPLAN, and adds its own caution about NAPLAN.
| Evidence | What PBC looks for |
|---|---|
| School reports | Achievement at or above a B level1PBC SHS · 13 October 2026 · Published, knowing grading varies between schools |
| NAPLAN | the top band (Exceeding) in Reading, Writing and Numeracy1PBC SHS · 13 October 2026 · Published |
| HAST | Results across Abstract Reasoning, Mathematical Reasoning, Writing and Reading Comprehension1PBC SHS · 12 October 2026 · Published |
| Group task and interview | How your child works with others and talks with staff 1PBC SHS · 12 October 2026 · Published |
PBC also notes that NAPLAN gives point-in-time results, nearly 12 months old1PBC SHS · 13 October 2026 · Published. That's why the other sources count too.
How do the Year 7 programs differ?
Families apply for an Integrated Learning Program or a Dual Program1PBC SHS · 12 October 2026 · Published. Both use advanced subjects; the difference is how they are taught.
| Integrated Learning Program | Dual Program | |
|---|---|---|
| Subjects | Advanced English, Science and Humanities studied together, plus Advanced Maths1PBC SHS · 13 October 2026 · Published | Advanced English, Science, Humanities and Maths, each as its own subject1PBC SHS · 13 October 2026 · Published |
| Years | Years 7 and 81PBC SHS · 13 October 2026 · Published | Not stated on the page 1PBC SHS · 12 October 2026 · Published |
| Reports | each subject is still reported separately1PBC SHS · 13 October 2026 · Published | One report per subject 1PBC SHS · 13 October 2026 · Published |
| Other excellence programs | no other excellence program1PBC SHS · 13 October 2026 · Published | Not ruled out on the page 1PBC SHS · 13 October 2026 · Published |
If your child also wants an arts or sports excellence program, the integrated class closes that door. Weigh that before you choose.
Can a child win a place without sitting the HAST?
Sometimes. A small number of offers may be made on merit. If your child hasn't sat the HAST, the school may ask for extra supporting information1PBC SHS · 13 October 2026 · Published.
You can also share a recent psycho-educational testing report, if you have one1PBC SHS · 13 October 2026 · Published. It is encouraged, not required.
What is in PBC's HAST, and where are the samples?
PBC's HAST has four subtests: Abstract Reasoning, Mathematical Reasoning, Writing and Reading Comprehension1PBC SHS · 12 October 2026 · Published. ACER's HAST comes as three or four tests, chosen by the school2Brisbane State High · 12 October 2026 · Published, and this is the set PBC names.
For samples, the school points to a downloadable booklet costing $25 to $351PBC SHS · 13 October 2026 · Published. ACER's report shows how your child did compared with students of a similar age who sat the same test3ACER · 13 October 2026 · Published, so a score only means something next to the group who sat it.
How can my child prepare for PBC's HAST?
Through wide reading and thinking, not cramming. ACER, which writes the HAST, says short-term training is unlikely to improve performance, and the best preparation is to read widely and think critically3ACER · 13 October 2026 · Published.
ACER also says past papers are not available3ACER · 13 October 2026 · Published. So a paper sold online as a HAST past paper is someone's own practice, not the real test.
The group task and interview are a different kind of test. A child who is used to talking through ideas at home may feel more at ease with staff. 1PBC SHS · 12 October 2026 · Published
Can families outside the catchment, or in NSW, apply?
Yes. Children from outside the catchment can sit the test, then wait on a ranked waitlist4PBC SHS · 13 October 2026 · Published. Catchment students come first, so a strong result can still mean waiting.
Families living over the border in NSW are named on PBC's transport page. NSW-resident students apply for a NSW school travel pass, with Transport NSW checking the address with the school5PBC SHS · 13 October 2026 · Published.
What does the program ask of families once a child is in?
A place brings a cost and an expectation. There is an extra fee on acceptance and every year after, amount not stated1PBC SHS · 13 October 2026 · Published. Students must keep up high achievement, behaviour, effort and attendance, or the school can withdraw a student1PBC SHS · 13 October 2026 · Published.
Specialist teachers
Each teacher holds a formal qualification in catering for highly able learners1PBC SHS · 13 October 2026 · Published.
A yearly program fee
Charged on acceptance and each year after; ask the school for the amount. 1PBC SHS · 13 October 2026 · Published
Keeping the place
The school can withdraw a student whose achievement or effort drops. 1PBC SHS · 13 October 2026 · Published
Special provisions
Where needed, PBC makes provisions for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander students, students from non-English-speaking backgrounds and economically disadvantaged students1PBC SHS · 13 October 2026 · Published.
Is there a cut-off for Academic Excellence?
What happens after the HAST?
ACER marks the test, and ACER sends results to the school, and the school contacts you3ACER · 13 October 2026 · Published. PBC reads the result with NAPLAN and school reports, then invites a shortlist to the group task and interview. 1PBC SHS · 12 October 2026 · Published
If no offer comes, ACER notes the HAST is built to challenge high achievers, so missing a place doesn't mean your child did badly3ACER · 13 October 2026 · Published. Year 7 isn't the only door, either: later entry is by application at any time, if places are available1PBC SHS · 12 October 2026 · Published.
Where is PBC, and when does the school day end?
The school is at Thrower Drive, Palm Beach Qld 42216PBC SHS · 12 October 2026 · Published. Classes finish at 3.00pm Tuesday to Friday, and 1.20pm on Mondays7PBC SHS · 13 October 2026 · Published.
Plan your commute opens the school in your own map app.
Is Academic Excellence at PBC a good fit for your child?
It suits a child who does well across subjects and enjoys working with others. Tick what's true; nothing is saved or sent.
Your child's reports sit at or above a B level1PBC SHS · 13 October 2026 · Published.
Your child is comfortable in a group task and a short interview. 1PBC SHS · 12 October 2026 · Published
You've decided between the integrated class and the Dual Program. 1PBC SHS · 12 October 2026 · Published
The yearly program fee fits your budget. 1PBC SHS · 13 October 2026 · Published
The trip to Palm Beach works, including from NSW if that's home. 5PBC SHS · 13 October 2026 · Published
Questions parents ask about PBC's Academic Excellence
Can my child join Academic Excellence after Year 7?
Yes. Entry into later year levels is by application at any time, if places are available1PBC SHS · 12 October 2026 · Published.
Can my child sit the HAST at Robina as well?
Yes, if your child applies to both programs. ACER says it means a separate sitting at each school, and only one school when two test on the same day3ACER · 13 October 2026 · Published. Read about Robina's Kingfisher program.
Does my child need a psychologist's report?
No. PBC encourages families to share one if they have it. 1PBC SHS · 13 October 2026 · Published
What time does PBC finish on a Monday?
Mondays end early. Classes finish at 3.00pm Tuesday to Friday, and 1.20pm on Mondays7PBC SHS · 13 October 2026 · Published.
We live in NSW. Can my child still apply?
Yes. A child from outside the catchment can sit the test, then wait on a ranked waitlist4PBC SHS · 13 October 2026 · Published. PBC's transport page also covers NSW travel passes. 5PBC SHS · 13 October 2026 · Published