High potential and gifted education

At Glendale East Public School, we are committed to recognising high potential in all its forms and igniting that potential through high-quality teaching, purposeful enrichment opportunities and tailored support. We believe every child has potential waiting to be discovered.

We know that some students learn more quickly, think more deeply, or demonstrate exceptional creativity, leadership or athletic ability. These students may show their strengths in many different ways in the classroom, on the stage, on the field, or through their innovative ideas. High potential can emerge across four key domains:

Intellectual – advanced thinking, problem-solving and rapid learning
Creative – originality, imagination and innovative ideas
Social-Emotional – leadership, empathy, collaboration and self-management
Physical – exceptional movement skills, coordination or athletic ability

At GEPS, we identify and nurture these strengths early. Our staff design engaging, challenging and differentiated learning experiences that stretch and support our advanced learners, so they continue to grow, thrive and feel inspired.

Through a combination of enrichment programs, targeted extension, leadership and sporting opportunities and a strong focus on student wellbeing, we ensure every high potential and gifted learner is known, valued and supported to 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

At Glendale East Public School, we are committed to ensuring that every student, including those with high potential and gifted abilities, experiences challenge, stretch, and rich learning opportunities.

In our classroom

In our classrooms

At Glendale East Public School, we recognise that every student has unique strengths and that high potential can be expressed in many different ways. Our High Potential and Gifted Education (HPGE) approach is woven into everyday teaching and learning, guided by formative assessment, evidence-based practices, and purposeful differentiation to support the growth of all learners.

Teachers 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
Our supportive classroom environments promote a sense of belonging and encourage risk-taking, creativity and collaboration.
Differentiated tasks that adjust pace, complexity and higher-order thinking.
Formative assessment to monitor growth and adapt learning.
Flexible grouping for collaborative ideation and presentation
Explicit teaching of critical thinking and problem-solving strategies.
Strengths-based feedback and goal setting
Safe learning environments that encourage confidence, risk-taking, and perseverance

Across our school

We offer a wide range of programs and leadership opportunities designed to extend students beyond the classroom, build their strengths, and nurture their talents:

Academic & Creative Opportunities

Public Speaking & Debating opportunities
Premier’s Reading Challenge
Battle of the Brains
Maths Explorer (Years 3–4) and Maths Olympiad (Years 5–6)
Author visits, Book Week enrichment, and creative writing projects
Technology/STEM challenges embedded in classroom units and project-based learning

Physical & Performance Opportunities

Dance groups
School Concerts
Sporting gala days and representative pathways (Zone, Regional, State)
School carnivals: Swimming, Cross Country, Athletics
Premier’s Sporting Challenge
Star Struck

Leadership & Social-Emotional Development

SRC leadership roles and student voice initiatives
Buddy programs
Kindness Club
Junior AECG

Inclusive & Equity-Focused Extension

We recognise high potential can exist in all student groups and ensure equitable identification, especially for:

EAL/D learners (working closely with our EAL/D Advisor)
Students from low-SES backgrounds
Aboriginal students
Students with disability or diverse learning profiles (Inclusive Education Unit & mainstream integration)

Our Learning and Support Team, ensure HPGE students are intentionally monitored and supported.

Across NSW

Across NSW

We actively engage in statewide competitions and programs, giving students meaningful opportunities to challenge themselves and strive for excellence. Through this collaborative and enriching approach, we recognise, nurture, and celebrate the unique talents of every student.

The Premier’s Sporting Challenge (PSC) promotes whole-school participation in physical activity with leadership pathways and professional learning.
The Representative School Sport Pathway and PSSA and CHSSA events enable our students to trial and compete in sports at regional, state and national levels, fostering discipline, commitment and collaboration.
Our STEM Enrichment Partnerships with industry and universities deepen our students’ intellectual curiosity while developing innovation and collaboration
Statewide competitions such as – APSMO Maths Olympiad and Newcastle Permanent Maths competition

At Glendale East Public School, we offer a variety of programs in the classroom and across the school to help students build new skills, make friends and explore new interests.