High potential and gifted education (HPGE)

At Taren Point Public School, we recognise, nurture, and extend the talents of all students — including those demonstrating high potential in the intellectual, creative, social–emotional, and physical domains.

Our High Potential and Gifted Education approach focuses on identifying and supporting students who show advanced capacity or rapid learning progress. We provide targeted learning experiences that challenge and engage students at their point of need, encouraging curiosity, creativity, and critical thinking.

Through differentiated classroom practices, enrichment projects, leadership opportunities, and participation in extension programs, students are inspired to strive for personal excellence. We work closely with families to ensure that every student is supported to reach their potential and to foster a culture where talent is recognised, valued, and developed across all areas of school life.

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

We are committed to recognising and nurturing high potential and gifted students, we believe that high potential and gifted education is part of everyday learning, ensuring every student has the opportunity to thrive at our school.

We 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 opportunities.

Our supportive whole school environment and classroom environments promote a sense of belonging and encourage risk-taking, thinking creatively and working collaboratively. Our staff engage in ongoing professional learning to ensure we meet the diverse needs of all students, including our high potential and gifted learners.

Across our school

We recognise that every student is unique, and we provide flexible and diverse opportunities for students to explore and develop their strengths both inside and outside the classroom.

We offer a wide range of programs that support student growth and engagement. Students can participate in enrichment and extension opportunities such as the creative writing group, chess club, LEGO club, Ukelele club, choir, dance, and other creative and academic activities.

All our students, including high potential and gifted students, are encouraged to take on leadership roles through student representative council leadership, environmental team, library monitors and our intergenerational program.

Our students can take part in various sports and physical education programs, ensuring that every learner has the opportunity to shine in their chosen areas of interest and ability.

Across NSW

Our students have access to a wide range of statewide and network programs designed to extend and enrich their potential.

Through the support of the NSW Department of Education, high potential and gifted students are encouraged to participate in programs such as the Premier’s Spelling Bee, School Spectacular, Premier’s Sporting Challenge, PSSA and Public Speaking Competition, as well as the Association of Australian French English Bilingual Schools initiatives.

These opportunities allow students to develop their talents, build confidence and connect with like-minded peers across a variety of academic, cultural, creative and sporting pursuits.