High potential and gifted education
Thirroul Public School identifies, supports and challenges students with high potential across the intellectual, creative, social-emotional and physical domains through differentiated learning and targeted enrichment opportunities.
Why choose us for your high potential or gifted child?
Our Approach
We follow the NSW Department of Education’s High Potential and Gifted Education (HPGE) Policy.
Students may demonstrate high potential — and the capacity for gifted performance — in one or more of the four domains below.
Our approach is a continuous cycle of assessment, identification, planning, implementation and evaluation so that students are recognised early and appropriately extended.
Note: Thirroul Public School also hosts the Year 5 High Potential and Gifted (HPAG) class for the local network.
Intellectual domain
We offer enrichment and extension that develops higher-order thinking, problem-solving and collaboration.
Opportunities include:
- HPGE Genius Days (Bulli High School) – STEM and inquiry challenges with specialist teachers.
- Mathematics Olympiad – strategic reasoning and persistence through complex problem-solving.
- Premier’s Debating Challenge – logic, teamwork and persuasive communication.
- Sydney Writers’ Festival and National Simultaneous Storytime – authentic literacy enrichment.
- Premier’s Spelling Bee, Book Week and Education Week Open Day – public showcases of learning.
- Host the High Potential and Academically Gift class for Year 5 students.
Creative domain
Creativity is nurtured through music, performing arts and design-thinking.
Opportunities include:
- Weekly music lessons for every student, delivered in partnership with the Wollongong Conservatorium of Music, building musical knowledge, creativity and confidence from Kindergarten to Year 6.
- Whole-school music performances that showcase class and ensemble musicianship.
- Two school bands — Beginner Band and Concert Band — providing instrumental tuition, ensemble experience and public performance opportunities.
- Choral Festival rehearsals and performances that promote collaboration and musical appreciation.
- South Coast Dance Festival and classroom arts projects linked to Book Week and school events.
Social-emotional domain
We build leadership, resilience, empathy and student voice through:
- GRIP Leadership and Student leadership through the Student Representative Council.
- Education Week Open Day and Assembly – celebrating effort and growth.
- Participation in Reconciliation Week, Reconciliation Walk and World Environment Day activities that foster inclusion and citizenship.
- Wellbeing and inclusion initiatives that strengthen belonging and positive relationships.
Physical domain
Students with physical potential are extended through:
- Swimming, athletics and cross-country carnivals with pathways to district, regional and state representation.
- PSSA Gala Days (soccer, cricket, touch football) promoting teamwork and competitive challenge.
- Surf Education (Stages 2–3) and Year 2 Swim School developing water confidence and safety.
- Dance and PE programs that build coordination, fitness and expressive movement.
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.
How students are identified and supported
Teachers use assessment data, observation and student feedback to identify high potential.
Support may include differentiated classroom tasks, small-group extension, targeted competitions, mentorships and authentic performance opportunities across the four domains.
At Thirroul Public School, we recognise and nurture the high potential that exists within our students every day. We strive to transform this potential into meaningful achievement.
Our teachers use evidence-informed practices to identify and support individual learning needs, ensuring all students are challenged and extended. We offer a range of learning pathways, including enrichment opportunities, extension activities and, where appropriate, acceleration.
We create classroom environments that foster belonging, encourage creativity, and promote collaboration. Students are encouraged to take ownership of their learning through flexible groupings, leadership roles, and strengths-based feedback that includes clear goals and self-assessment.
Our staff are committed to ongoing professional learning to support the diverse needs of all students, including those with high potential and gifted abilities.
Every student at Thirroul Public School is unique, so we offer flexible and diverse opportunities to help them shine.
Students can build their strengths through activities such as debating, public speaking, coding, and robotic club. These enrichment programs provide pathways for curious and capable learners to engage and extend their skills.
Talent is celebrated across the Creative Arts, with opportunities in drama, visual arts, music ensembles, choir, and dance groups. Performances and showcases throughout the year allow students to develop confidence in performance, backstage roles, and event support.
Leadership is fostered through the Student Representative Council, mentoring programs, and peer support roles. Wellbeing is supported through positive behaviour programs, student recognition awards, and access to wellbeing support when needed.
Sport also plays an important role, with opportunities ranging from school-based physical activities and house competitions to PSSA sport and training sessions that cater to all ability levels.
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.
Student opportunities and activities
Discover the opportunities our students have at our school.
Learning
Find out about our approach to learning and supporting students to progress