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?

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

Gerringong Public School promotes engagement and challenge for every student, regardless of background across the intellectual, creative, social-emotional and physical domains. Guided by research and through implementation of the HPGE policy, we will support every student to achieve their individual potential.

We aim to challenge and inspire students through differentiated learning experiences that cater to their unique strengths and interests. We provide a supportive environment that encourages creativity, critical thinking, and problem-solving skills, enabling our gifted learners to thrive academically, socially, and emotionally.

Through enrichment activities, extension opportunities, and personalised learning plans, Gerringong Public School ensures every student reaches their full potential.

What is on offer at GPS

- differentiation in the classroom

- Enrichment across domains of potential

- HPAG class-Year 5 by application

- HPGE class-Year 6 by application

- explicit teaching of the PDHPE syllabus

- Debating team

- RRRR program

- Year 6 and Kindergarten buddy relationships

- Public Speaking competitions

- Student Representative Council

- Peer Support Program - led by Yr 6

- interest groups for example: games, club, chess club

- PSSA sporting teams

- Sports clinics

- Gala Days

- Community sports programs: we partner with the Illawarra Hawks Basketball development squad, the Illawarra Dragons Rugby League, NSW Touch Football, OzTag organisations

- Individual trials and nominations for representative sports

- Community Visual Art workshops

- GPS Talent Show

- Guest speakers

- Quality and engaging incursions and excursions

- Visual Art as RFF taught by experts in their field

- Public speaking speech writing

- Lunchtime drama club (external provider)

- Dance Troupe

- Southern Stars performance ensemble, including both dance, choir, and Southern Stars Performance Company (SSPC) opportunities.

Advice for parents and carers of high potential and gifted students.

Gerringong Public School has developed their High Potential and Gifted Education Policy after consultation with parent organisations. These included the Federation of Parents and Citizens Association of NSW, Gifted Families Support Group and Gifted Learners with Disability Australia.

Supporting your child at home

Opportunity Class and Selective High Schools

Selective high schools and opportunity classes are one of the ways that the department supports high potential and gifted students. These are students whose intellectual potential exceeds that of students of the same age.

You can apply for opportunity classes and selective high schools that are outside your local enrolment area.

Students sit a placement test and qualify for a place based on their results.

Please contact the Office for more information on our HPGE program.

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.

Contact us