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.
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 Vacy Public School, High Potential and Gifted Education (HPGE) is a core element of our daily teaching. Many students display high potential, and we are dedicated to cultivating this potential into meaningful success.
Our teachers carefully assess each student’s learning needs within the classroom and use evidence-based teaching methods to challenge and extend their capabilities. We provide a variety of learning pathways, including enrichment activities, extension programs, and chances for acceleration.
Our nurturing classroom environments promote a strong sense of belonging, encouraging students to take risks, express creativity, and collaborate with their peers.
Student groupings are flexible, with opportunities for leadership roles, and feedback is strength-based with clear goals and chances for self-assessment.
Our teaching staff engage in continuous professional development to effectively address the diverse needs of all students, including those who are high potential and gifted learners.
Students deepen strengths through debating, public speaking, spelling competitions, critical thinking opportunities such as Robotics and STEM competitions as well as school performances and STAR STRUCK.
Leadership grows through mentoring and peer coaching. Wellbeing is made visible through our Positive Behaviour for Learning (PBL) initiative and high expectations of behaviour are promoted throughout all areas of the school.
Daily life invites curiosity and belonging, with interest groups running at lunchtime.
Sport matters at Vacy School too, with Sports in School Programs offered each term, PSSA representative opportunities, and many local school gala days.
Many of our students are encouraged to apply for Aurora College. If accepted, this program allows them to learn online with a specialist teacher in mathematics and science during Stage 3. It provides the chance to collaborate with peers of similar ability, offering valuable opportunities for academic extension.
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.