High potential and gifted education
Some students learn faster and more easily than others. These students may shine in creativity, thinking, leadership or sport.
At our school, we recognise and nurture these strengths early. We support advanced learners with great lessons and activities to help them grow and thrive.
Why choose us for your high potential or gifted child?
Recognising potential and developing talent
Our teachers find potential and nurture our students to be the best they can be.
Tailored lessons
Each student has different abilities. Teachers respond to each student’s ability by providing extra challenges and extension activities to keep learning exciting and engaging.
Rich opportunities and activities
Students can take part in opportunities to develop their talent in the arts, sport, leadership and more.
Opening doors to wider experiences
Our students can participate in a wide range of state-wide opportunities that aim to extend and enrich student potential.
What is high potential and gifted education?
High potential and gifted education (HPGE) is how our school supports students with advanced learning needs.
We do this through:
- effective teaching strategies like enrichment, extension and acceleration
- tailored support during lessons that stretch, challenge and inspire
- access to a wide range of opportunities both within and beyond our school.
Our high potential and gifted education opportunities
Our students engage with HPGE education in the classroom, in our school, and across NSW.
We recognise that every student has the potential for high achievement by:
- using assessment to identify students’ strengths, interests and learning needs
- designing differentiated learning tasks that promote higher-order thinking, creativity and problem-solving
- using flexible grouping to foster collaboration
- creating safe, inclusive learning environments that support the needs of all students
- supporting the social and emotional needs of students through goal setting and reflection
We take a whole-school approach that identifies, nurtures, and extends the potential of all students by:
- ensuring high expectations and evidence-informed practices are embedded in all teaching and learning programs
- staff engaging in ongoing professional learning to build their capacity
- fostering partnerships with parents, carers, and external organisations to provide authentic and challenging learning experiences beyond the classroom
- promoting equity and excellence, ensuring that every learner is known, valued, and supported to thrive.
Students at our school are provided with opportunities to extend their potential at regional, state and national level through:
- participation in a range of sporting events that develop skill and talent
- participation in creative pursuits that enable students the opportunity to perform beyond school level
- opportunity to compete in national academic competitions
Performing Arts Opportunities
Our school offers a range of engaging programs to support talent development in the creative and performing arts.
Students can explore and develop their talents through beginner and advanced Ukulele Groups, a Recorder Group, and the energetic Bucket Drumming program. For those who love to sing, we offer Junior and Senior Choirs and the Bluebells Singing Group, who proudly perform at school, community events, and even the Sydney Opera House. Students can also express their creativity and build confidence through Drama Club or audition for the Far North Coast Dance Group to perform at the regional showcase. These programs nurture artistic ability while fostering collaboration, leadership, and a lifelong love of the performing arts.
Sport
Our school offers a variety of sports enrichment opportunities designed to encourage teamwork, skill development, and a love of physical activity. Students have the chance to represent our school at a range of Gala Days throughout the year, participating in sports such as basketball, soccer, AFL, touch football, and netball. These events promote sportsmanship, collaboration, and healthy competition while allowing students to build confidence and form strong connections with peers. Through these experiences, students develop not only their athletic skills but also important life values such as perseverance, respect, and teamwork.
Academic Competitions
Our school provides a variety of enriching academic opportunities for students identified as High Potential and Gifted in academic domains. Students are encouraged to challenge themselves and extend their learning through participation in events such as the Newcastle Permanent Mathematics Competition and the Maths Olympiad, where they apply problem-solving and critical thinking skills beyond the classroom. Budding writers have the chance to showcase their creativity and expression through a range of writing opportunities, while confident communicators can develop their public speaking skills in the Far North Coast Public Speaking Competition. These opportunities allow students to explore their interests, build resilience, and strive for personal excellence in an encouraging and stimulating environment.
Help for your high potential child
If your child shows signs of high potential, contact us. We can share how our HPGE support can guide their learning journey.
Student opportunities and activities
Discover the opportunities our students have at our school.
Learning
Find out about our approach to learning and supporting students to progress