High potential and gifted education

We recognise that every child has unique strengths and learns in their own way. From Kindergarten to Year 6, our teachers design inclusive learning environments where all students are supported and extended to reach their potential.

Understanding individual strengths and needs

Teachers regularly observe and assess students’ skills, interests and learning behaviours. This helps us understand where each child excels or may need additional support, allowing us to shape lessons that stretch thinking, deepen understanding and encourage curiosity.

Flexible grouping and targeted instruction

Students work in a variety of groupings depending on the learning purpose - sometimes with like-minded peers, sometimes in mixed-ability groups for collaboration. This flexibility allows for targeted support or extension and creates opportunities for rich discussion and higher-order thinking.

Personalised learning pathways

Where appropriate, students engage with personalised goals or extension tasks that match their readiness. These pathways allow learners to progress at a pace that challenges them, building confidence, independence and a strong sense of ownership over their learning.

Engaging and varied teaching strategies

Teachers use a wide range of approaches to keep learning purposeful and stimulating. Inquiry tasks, problem-solving activities, creative projects and opportunities for deeper research are woven into daily lessons. This encourages students to think critically and extend their understanding in meaningful ways.

High expectations and meaningful feedback

Teachers explicitly communicate high expectations by designing learning objectives that promote higher-order thinking, creativity and problem-solving. Students receive timely, specific feedback that helps them reflect on their progress, set personal goals and build resilience, motivation and a strong growth mindset.

Student leadership and voice

Students are encouraged to take the lead within the classroom, contributing ideas, guiding discussions or taking on project roles that align with their interests and strengths. This fosters ownership, confidence and leadership skills while helping students recognise and develop their own potential.

Ongoing professional learning and collaboration

Our teachers engage in regular professional learning to deepen their understanding of how to support high potential and gifted learners. Staff collaborate to share effective strategies, analyse student data and design differentiated units of work, ensuring that all students benefit from high-quality instruction and consistent opportunities for talent development.

By embedding enrichment, high expectations and differentiated practice across all learning areas, we ensure that high potential learners are supported to thrive.

Our school offers a wide variety of enriching programs and extracurricular activities to celebrate and develop each child’s strengths beyond the classroom.

Leadership:

• SLIPS Training Program
  Year 5 students take part in leadership training that prepares them for the responsibilities and expectations of Year 6.
• Buddy Program (Kindergarten & Year 6)
  A structured mentoring program where Year 6 students support Kindergarten peers, building leadership, empathy and belonging.
• Student Parliament
  Elected representatives from each grade work together to drive meaningful, student-led initiatives across the school.
• Tech Team
  Year 6 students apply to join a specialist crew trained to manage sound, lighting and AV for whole-school events.

Curriculum:

• Writing Enrichment Classes
  Selected students across each grade participate in small-group writing lessons over a semester to extend their skills and creativity.
• K–6 Public Speaking Competition
  All students are invited to develop their confidence and presentation skills through school-wide public speaking.
• Club 100 Reading Program
  A school-wide initiative designed to motivate and celebrate regular reading from Kindergarten to Year 6.

• Mathematics Enrichment Classes

Selected students across each grade engage in advanced mathematical thinking through targeted extension lessons over a semester.

Sport:

• PSSA Sport Trials (Years 3–6)
  Students trial for competitive teams and represent the school in seasonal inter-school competitions.

Creative Arts:

• Dance Groups

  Auditioned dance ensembles rehearse weekly and perform at school and community events.

• K–6 School Concert (Biannual)
  A whole-school production where all students perform and selected roles are auditioned.

• K–6 Art Showcase (Biannual)
  A school-wide exhibition celebrating creative expression and visual arts achievement.

• Night of Performing Arts
  An evening performance featuring the school band, choirs and drama club.

• School Band
  Students audition to join the band and receive dedicated instruction, including the annual Band Jam In workshop.

• Allambie Singers & Senior Choir
  Choirs for Years 3–4 and Years 5–6 that rehearse regularly and perform at school and regional events.

• Annual Talent Showcase
  Students audition to share their talents on stage in a popular whole-school event.

Aboriginal & Torres Strait Islander Education:

• Celebration of Learning Goals

  Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander students set personalised learning and cultural goals and celebrate their progress each term with a breakfast as part of their collaboratively developed Personalised Learning Plan.

Extra Activities for talent development:

• Chess club
• Drama club
• Gardening club
• Coding club
• Podcasting Club
• Open library at lunch
• School camp in Year 5 & 6
• Grade incursions and excursions

Our students participate in a range of statewide programs that extend their learning, broaden their experiences and showcase their talents.

Curriculum:

• The Forest High Enrichment Program

  Selected Year 5 students complete challenging high school–style classes designed to extend their learning alongside peers from across the network.

• Year 5 Debating Competition

  Students compete against local schools in structured debates.

• Premier’s Spelling Bee

  A statewide competition that celebrates spelling achievement.

• Premier’s Reading Challenge
  Encourages students to read widely and develop a lifelong love of reading.

• Australasian Problem Solving Mathematical Olympiads (APSMO)

  Selected students solve complex problems in a national mathematics competition.

Sport:

• PSSA Sporting Competitions (Years 3–6)

  Students trial for teams and compete against other schools in the network in a range of sports throughout the year.

• Individual PSSA Representative Sport Trials

  Opportunities for students to trial in multiple sports such as, Tennis, AFL, Football (Soccer), Golf, Hockey, Netball, Rugby League, Rugby Union, Softball and Touch Football

• Zone, Area, State and National Carnival Opportunities

  Students have the opportunity to make it into the Zone, Area, State and National Carnivals for Athletics, Cross Country and Swimming.

• Premier’s Sporting Challenge

  A statewide program promoting physical activity and healthy habits.

• Sporting Gala Days

  Held throughout the year across a range of sports, where students trial for teams and compete against other schools.

Creative Arts:

• Dance Festivals and Eisteddfods

  Dance groups perform at events such as the Sydney North Dance Festival

• School Spectacular/Sydney North Dance Ensemble

  Select students can also audition for the Sydney North Dance Ensemble. If successful, they are provided with the opportunity to perform at various events, such as the Schools Spectacular.

• Dancesport Confidence Challenge (Year 5)

  Year 5 students take part in weekly ballroom lessons and finish the program by competing against other schools in a statewide showcase.

• School Band Performances

  Band members perform at major festivals including the Festival of Instrumental Music and NSSWE concerts.

• Choir Performances

  Choirs participate in the Festival of Choral Music at the Opera House and Primary Proms at the Town Hall.

• Drama Festivals

  Drama Club performs at the LightsUP Drama Festival in Chatswood.

NSW DoE HPGE Programs:

• Students can access a range of NSW Department of Education opportunities for high potential and gifted learners and we support families with applications.