High potential and gifted education

At Padstow Heights Public School, HPGE lives in everyday practice. Many students have high potential, and we help that potential to grow into something powerful.

• Teachers identify students' learning needs in the classroom and use evidence-informed teaching practices to challenge and extend students. We provide learning pathways, including enrichment and extension programs and acceleration.
• Our supportive classroom environments promote a sense of belonging and encourage risk-taking, creativity and collaboration.
• We use flexible grouping where students are encouraged to take a lead role in their learning. Teachers provide immediate feedback based on student’s strengths, with clear goals and opportunities for student self-assessment and reflection.
• Our teachers engage in professional learning to support the diverse needs of all students, including our high potential and gifted learners.

Every student is individual, so opportunities are flexible and diverse.

• Our school offers a diverse range of enrichment activities to explore and deepen the interests and strengths of our students. Programs such as debating, intergenerational partnerships with community groups, STEM enrichment programs with local high schools and language programs that allow students to engage with like-minded peers beyond the classroom.
• Talent is celebrated through school performances showcases, School Spectacular participation, drama, visual arts, choir, Ukulele Group, a range of dance groups, supported by student roles in tech and crew.
• Leadership is developed through our Student Representative Council and Student Leadership Team and wellbeing is made visible with PBL awards.
• Daily life invites curiosity and belonging, with Open Library at lunch plus a variety of interest clubs including board games, chess, sandpit and loom bands.
• Sport features prominently in our school, with PSSA sport, training, coaching and access to additional sport competitions.

Our students participate in a wide range of statewide programs to extend and enrich student potential.

• Students participate in opportunities such as APSMO Maths Olympiad, NESA’s WriteOn writing competition, Premier’s Spelling Bee, District Public Speaking and Sydney Writer’s Festival Primary School Days.
• Statewide and NSW Department of Education support is available for high potential and gifted students, and we help with entries, preparation and reflection so every experience feeds back into learning.