High potential and gifted education
Some students learn faster and more easily than others. These students may shine in creativity, thinking, leadership or sport.
At our school, we recognise and nurture these strengths early. We support advanced learners with great lessons and activities to help them grow and thrive.
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.
At Oakdale Public School, HPGE lives in everyday practice. Many students have high potential, and we help grow that potential into something powerful.
- Teachers identify students' learning needs in the classroom and use evidence-informed teaching practices to challenge and extend students.
- Our supportive and safe classroom environments promote a sense of belonging and encourage risk-taking, creativity and collaboration.
- 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.
- Learning at our school extends far beyond the classroom. Students explore passions and develop new skills through a range of clubs and activities such as Gardening Club, Skipping Group, Aboriginal Culture Club, and the ever-popular OPS Radio and STEM Club.
- Creativity thrives in Dance, Choir, and performances like Wollondilly Performing Arts and Olympians Unleashed, while students showcase teamwork and leadership through SRC, library monitors, environmental leaders, and our buddy system.
- Sport is a valued part of school life, with in-school clinics for cricket, gymnastics, and AFL, alongside PSSA, Gala Days, and Razorback District and Regional competitions. Every student has the chance to set goals and celebrate achievement at their own level.
Our students participate in a range of statewide programs to extend and enrich student potential.
- Students participate in opportunities such as the Premier’s Spelling Bee, Premier’s Multicultural Public Speaking, and Premiers Reading Challenge.
- 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.
Public speaking
Finn, Year 4 Public speaking Superstar
Our HPGE students are encouraged to develop and showcase their public speaking skills both within the classroom and across the wider school community. We are proud to celebrate Finn’s achievement in being awarded Highly Commended at the RSOD Public Speaking Grand Final, where he represented the Camden Network with confidence and skill.
Sporting opportunities
At Oakdale Public School, our HPGE students are encouraged to actively participate in a diverse range of sports and physical activities. As they grow and develop, they build not only their physical abilities but also important skills such as teamwork, leadership, and resilience. Engaging in sports provides our students with valuable opportunities to challenge themselves, set goals, and foster a strong sense of community and sportsmanship within the school. We are proud to support their journey towards becoming confident, well-rounded individuals both on and off the field.
Music ensembles
Our HPGE students had an incredible opportunity to express their creativity and passion at the Wollondilly Performing Arts Festival. The vibrant and inspiring setup set the perfect stage for them to showcase their talents and share their unique artistic voices. This experience allowed our students to grow in confidence as they brought their creativity to life through performance. We are deeply grateful to everyone who supported this memorable event and look forward to seeing our students shine again at next year’s festival!
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