High potential and gifted education

At Stockton Public School, we believe every child has strengths that deserve to be recognised, supported and challenged. In line with the NSW Department of Education’s High Potential and Gifted Education (HPGE) Policy, we provide learning opportunities that help students grow academically, socially and emotionally.

High potential and gifted students are found in every class and at every stage of learning. Some children show their strengths early, while others develop them over time. Our role is to notice these strengths and provide the right level of challenge, support and encouragement so every child can thrive.

We support students across four key areas identified by the Department:

Thinking and Learning (Intellectual)

Teachers plan lessons that stretch students’ thinking and encourage curiosity. This includes differentiated tasks, enrichment activities and opportunities for deeper learning, so students are challenged at a level that is right for them.

Creativity (Creative)

Students are encouraged to share ideas, think creatively and express themselves in different ways. Creative thinking is built into classroom learning, the arts and problem-solving tasks, helping students develop confidence and originality.

Sport and Movement (Physical)

We support students who show strengths in physical activity through sport, movement and leadership opportunities. All students are encouraged to develop skills, teamwork and a positive attitude to staying active.

We understand that children with high potential may sometimes need extra support with emotions, friendships or confidence. Our staff focus on wellbeing, helping students build resilience, manage emotions and develop positive relationships.

At Stockton Public School, identifying and supporting high potential and gifted students is an ongoing process. Teachers use classroom observations, assessments and their professional judgement to ensure learning is appropriately challenging and supportive.

Our aim is to create a caring, inclusive learning environment where students feel confident to challenge themselves, take risks in learning and reach their full potential — both now and into the future.

Why choose us for your high potential or gifted child?

Recognising potential and developing talent

Our teachers continually identify students’ strengths through observations and learning data. Learning is then adjusted to provide the right level of challenge and support, helping students grow their abilities and confidence over time.

Tailored lessons

Our teachers plan lessons that respond to students’ individual strengths and learning needs. Through differentiated tasks and flexible grouping, students are supported and challenged at the right level to help them stay engaged and make strong learning progress.

Rich opportunities and activities

Students are offered a range of learning opportunities beyond the classroom, including enrichment activities, creative experiences and sporting programs. These experiences help students explore interests, develop talents and build confidence in a supportive school environment.

Opening doors to wider experiences

We provide opportunities that connect students with experiences beyond their classroom, helping them explore new interests and broaden their horizons. These experiences support confidence, independence and a love of learning as students grow and develop.

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.

Learn more about HPGE at [link to HPGE page on education.nsw]

Our high potential and gifted education opportunities

Our students can take part in HPGE opportunities in the classroom, in our school, and across NSW.

In our classroom

· Differentiated learning tasks that provide the right level of challenge and support

· Opportunities for deeper thinking, problem-solving and creative expression

· Flexible grouping to support collaboration, extension and targeted learning

· Supportive classroom environments that encourage confidence, curiosity and effort

Across our school

· Whole-school practices that recognise and support high potential across all learning areas

· Enrichment opportunities that extend learning beyond the classroom

· A strong focus on student wellbeing, confidence and belonging

· Ongoing monitoring of progress to ensure students are appropriately challenged and supported

Across NSW

· Opportunities to participate in NSW Department of Education programs and initiatives

· Access to extension, enrichment and representative pathways beyond the school

· Connections with wider learning experiences across schools and networks

· Support for students to develop confidence, aspiration and future pathways

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.

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Student opportunities and activities

Discover the clubs, sports and other opportunities our students have beyond the classroom.

Learning

Find out about our approach to learning and supporting students to progress.