High potential and gifted education

In our classroom

In our classrooms, high potential and gifted learners experience engaging, challenging and thoughtfully tailored learning every day.

How We Identify High Potential and Gifted Education (HPGE) Students

High potential and gifted students are as diverse and individual as any group of learners. While they may share some common traits, no two gifted students look the same. Our school uses a flexible, responsive and inclusive identification process that draws on a wide range of information. This ensures that students’ strengths and potential are recognised in ways that are fair, comprehensive and aligned with the Department of Education’s HPGE policy.

What We Look For

We explore both cognitive and social-emotional characteristics commonly associated with giftedness and high potential, which may include:

·     Advanced reasoning or early learning skills

·     Rapid acquisition of new concepts

·     Unusual curiosity, creativity or problem-solving abilities

·     Intense focus on areas of personal interest

·     Strong empathy, emotional depth or heightened sensitivity

·     Advanced communication skills or vocabulary

·     High levels of motivation or task commitment in areas of strength

Sources of Input

Our identification process draws on multiple perspectives to ensure the fullest picture of each learner. This includes:

·     Teacher observations and professional assessments

·     Parent and caregiver insights

·     Student self-reflection and voice

·     Work samples, performance data and developmental indicators

·     Specialist reports or external assessments, when available

An Ongoing, Evolving Process

Identification is not a one-time event. Because potential can evolve over time, we regularly review student growth, strengths and emerging talents. This ensures students are supported with appropriate learning experiences as soon as needs are recognised.

Through this flexible and evidence-informed approach, we aim to ensure that every child with high potential or giftedness is noticed, nurtured and provided with pathways to thrive.

Differentiated Teaching and Learning

Differentiation for students involves tailoring learning so each child is appropriately challenged, supported and able to build on their strengths. Our teachers adjust content, learning processes, assessment and the classroom environment to provide deeper thinking, enrichment and opportunities for acceleration when appropriate. Through flexible practice and ongoing assessment, we ensure high potential and gifted learners remain engaged, extended and motivated to achieve their personal best.

Positive Partnerships

Partnerships with families, specialists and the wider community play a vital role in supporting high potential and gifted learners. We work collaboratively with parents, external experts, cultural and creative organisations, and sporting groups to provide rich opportunities that extend students’ strengths and interests. By drawing on diverse expertise and maintaining open communication, we create a connected learning environment where students are supported, challenged and inspired both within and beyond the classroom.

Curriculum Opportunities

We provide a diverse range of curriculum opportunities that encourage our students to think deeply, explore their passions and engage in learning that stretches their potential. This includes:

·     Personal Interest Projects

·     Genius Hour

·     Play-based learning

·     Digital Technologies Program

·     Mathematics and English Enrichment Groups

·     Creative Arts Enrichment Groups

·     STEM

Across our school and the community beyond

Across our school and community, we build strong partnerships that enrich learning and provide high potential learners with opportunities to develop and excel across the intellectual, creative, social-emotional and physical domains.

Intellectual

Our school provides rich intellectual opportunities to challenge and extend high potential and gifted learners. Our students have the opportunity to engage in curriculum acceleration, public speaking and debating groups, chess club and competitions including the Premier’s Debating Challenge and Multicultural Perspectives Public Speaking Competition, Tournament of Minds, University of NSW ICAS assessments, and the Lake Illawarra South High Potential and Gifted Education class. Additional opportunities arise through a variety of competitions, including poetry and writing contests, and the Maths Olympiad. Through these opportunities, students are encouraged to think deeply, communicate effectively and strive for excellence in their learning.

Creative

A diverse range of creative arts opportunities are available to nurture the imagination, expression and creative talent in our high potential and gifted learners. Students can participate in the ukulele ensemble, drumming group, choir and vocal group, as well as large-scale performance events including Southern Stars and Yanggaa Garaba, the Southern Illawarra Music Festival, and the Illawarra Dance Festival. We also celebrate and strengthen Aboriginal culture through programs such as Gadhungal Marring, which provide high potential Aboriginal students, and all learners, the opportunity to develop and showcase their talents through traditional dance, music, art and weaving in culturally rich, authentic learning experiences. These opportunities enable students to develop their artistic abilities, collaborate with others and showcase their creativity across a variety of platforms.

Physical

Our school offers provide a range of physical opportunities designed to identify and extend students with high potential in the physical domain. Students can participate in PSSA competitions in soccer, netball, basketball and football, representative pathways, Tai chi and the Premier’s Sporting Challenge and Community of Schools sporting days. Through Sporting Schools funding, targeted programs offer intensive skill development in activities such as gymnastics and dance, supporting students to refine movement skills and excel in areas of physical talent. These opportunities allow high potential learners to challenge themselves, grow their abilities and develop confidence and passion in physical pursuits.

Social-Emotional

We provide social-emotional and leadership opportunities that support the holistic development of high potential and gifted learners. Students are encouraged to build confidence, wellbeing and strong interpersonal skills through meaningful leadership roles, buddy programs, clubs and initiatives that honour Aboriginal culture, identity and student voice. These experiences help students strengthen their resilience, deepen their sense of belonging and develop the capacity to contribute positively as leaders within their school and community.