High potential and gifted education

HPGE is embedded in our everyday teaching practice. We challenge our students to think deeply, create boldly, lead confidently, and grow continuously. Our teachers engage in data driven practice to identify students’ learning needs and employ evidence-informed teaching strategies to extend and enrich their learning. We offer flexible learning pathways including enrichment and extension programs tailored to challenge high potential learners.

Our classrooms foster supportive learning environments where students feel a sense of belonging and are encouraged to take risks, collaborate, and express creativity. We provide tasks that promote choice, authenticity, critical thinking, and creative problem-solving. Our teachers engage in ongoing professional learning to effectively meet the diverse needs of all students, including those who are high potential and gifted.

Across Our School
Recognising that every student is unique, we provide diverse and flexible opportunities for students to deepen their talents:

• Excel in high-level debating, Public Speaking, and Multicultural Perspectives Public Speaking competitions, while honing creativity and critical thinking through art and poetry competitions. Students also advance their STEM and coding expertise via innovative pathways such as Tech Club and cutting-edge integrated ICT classroom programs.
• Showcase artistic excellence by participating in prestigious local and regional art competitions including Hazelhurst Art, Local Library Art, and Koori Kids Art awards, further developing visual creativity and cultural expression.
• Join our dynamic band program—comprising Performance, Intermediate, and Beginner ensembles—with expert weekly tuition, intensive band camps, competitive events, and high-profile performances at key school functions, fostering musicianship and teamwork.
• Celebrate and elevate talent through major school showcases that provide powerful platforms for student achievement and creative expression.
• Build strong leadership capabilities through active involvement in the SRC, Student Leadership Team, Sports Leadership Teams, Playground Pals, Kindergarten Buddy mentoring, cultivating confidence and responsibility.
• Flourish in a nurturing school community that recognises achievement and wellbeing through Bronze, Silver, and Gold Awards, promoting resilience through gratitude, empathy and mindfulness which fosters a positive school culture.
• Engage in enriching lunchtime activities such as Library, Eco Garden, Chess Club, board games, Intergenerational lunch club encouraging curiosity, social connection, and lifelong learning habits.
• Compete and thrive in a comprehensive range of sports, including PSSA competitions, differentiated Physical Education, NSW PSSA Knockout Competitions, Gala Days, athletics, cross country, swimming carnivals, as well as organised lunchtime tournaments.
• Advance mathematical thinking and problem-solving skills in targeted Stage 1, 2, and 3 extension mathematics designed to challenge and inspire.
• Elevate performing arts skills with weekly dance tuition in Hip Hop, Jazz, Ballet, Greek dance and Contemporary styles, promoting creativity, discipline, social and physical wellbeing.
• Expand cultural and linguistic horizons through whole-school weekly Greek and French language classes alongside immersive weekly art and drama classes, enhancing global awareness and artistic flair.

Across NSW
Our students confidently engage in prestigious statewide programs that stretch their potential and celebrate excellence, including:

• Department of Education (DoE) Sydney South East Symphonic Winds Ensemble
• Premier’s Spelling Bee
• Premier’s Perspective Multicultural Public Speaking
• Premier’s Debating Challenge
• Premier’s Reading Challenge
• CREATE South
• Kogarah Network Public Speaking Competition
• NSW Public Schools Sydney Dance Ensembles