High potential and gifted education

Some students are able to learn more quickly and effortlessly than others. This faster learning may be evident in a variety of areas, such as creativity, problem-solving, leadership, and athletics. These students often possess distinct talents and strengths that distinguish them, including innovative thinking, the ability to motivate and lead their peers, or outstanding physical abilities.

At our school, we are dedicated to identifying these advanced learners early through careful observation, assessments, and input from teachers and parents. By recognising their unique strengths, we can customise our teaching methods to meet each student’s individual needs.

To support and develop these talents, we provide a variety of specialised lessons and enrichment activities designed to challenge and engage advanced learners. For instance, students with creative abilities might take part in advanced art or design projects that foster original ideas, while those with leadership skills have opportunities to lead group projects or participate in student councils. Similarly, learners with strong cognitive skills benefit from problem-solving sessions, critical thinking challenges, and accelerated programs that push their limits. Students excelling in sports receive targeted coaching and training to further enhance their physical skills and competitive performance.

Our aim is to create a nurturing and stimulating environment where advanced learners can excel academically, socially, and personally. By supporting their strengths from an early stage, we help these students build confidence and develop the skills necessary to succeed both at school and in their future endeavours.

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.

In our classroom

At Harwood Island Public School, High Potential and Gifted Education (HPGE) is embedded in everyday teaching and learning. We:

Encourage students to think critically, create innovatively, lead confidently, and grow continuously.
Identify students’ learning needs through classroom assessment and apply evidence-based teaching strategies to challenge and extend their abilities.
Provide personalised learning pathways, including enrichment programs, extension opportunities, and acceleration options.
Foster supportive classroom environments that promote a strong sense of belonging and encourage risk-taking, creativity, and collaboration.
Design tasks that offer student choice, authentic learning experiences, and develop critical and creative thinking skills.

Across our school

Every student is unique, so we provide a variety of activities and opportunities that cater to different interests and abilities.
Students can develop their skills by participating in activities such as debating, competitions, thinking workshops, and STEM and coding clubs like Robotics.
We acknowledge and celebrate students’ talents through events like PEAC, art competitions and exhibitions, dance Eisteddfods, music ensembles, STEM challenges, and interschool competitions in handball, maths, STEM, and writing.
We support leadership growth through groups such as the Student Representative Council (SRC), Year 6 Leaders, mentoring programs, and peer coaching. We also prioritise student wellbeing with daily check-ins as part of our Life Skills Go program.
Each day, students are encouraged to pursue their interests and feel a sense of belonging by visiting spaces like the Open Library and Sustainability Garden during lunch, or by joining clubs such as Chess, Writing, and Robotics.
Sports also play an important role, with PSSA competitions, training, and coaching available, including tailored Physical Education classes designed to meet diverse needs.

Across NSW

Our students take part in a variety of statewide programs designed to extend and enrich their potential.

Support from statewide programs and the NSW Department of Education is available for high potential and gifted students, and we assist our students with their applications and participation.

They engage in opportunities such as the Premier’s Spelling Bee, Premier’s Multicultural Public Speaking, Premier’s Debating Challenge, and What Matters Writing Competition.