High potential and gifted education

At Adamstown Public School, our commitment to High Potential and Gifted Education (HPGE) is grounded in the NSW Department of Education’s guiding principles that all students deserve access to learning that meets their needs, supports them to aspire to excellence, and is underpinned by quality teaching, learning and leadership. We recognise that potential exists along a continuum, and we work to create equitable opportunities for every learner to develop their strengths and thrive.

Teachers provide differentiated and enriching learning experiences that challenge students and extend their thinking. Targeted mathematics enrichment and extension groups offer opportunities for students to deepen their understanding of mathematical concepts through complex problem-solving using critical and creative thinking skills as they collaboratively work as mathematicians. These learning groups promote high expectations, academic rigour and a culture where students are supported to engage deeply and pursue personal excellence.

Across the school, students explore and develop their talents through a wide range of programs that cater to intellectual, creative, social-emotional and physical domains. Our students participate in the Premier’s Debating, Public Speaking, Spelling Bee and Multicultural Public Speaking competitions, which build communication, confidence and challenge learners to apply their knowledge in new and demanding contexts.

Creativity and performance are celebrated through a strong arts program that participates annually in Star Struck dance and drama performances. During the school day students can engage in Senior and Junior Drama Ensembles and K–2 and Stage 2 Dance opportunities. Musical talent is fostered through our comprehensive Band and Choir opportunities. Cultural expression is embraced through our Didge Group and Aboriginal Dance programs. Students with interests in digital technologies and problem-solving can participate in Coding Club and our Chess Teams, while those passionate about sustainability contribute to our active Environmental Team. In the sporting domain, students have opportunities to represent the school through PSSA and state pathways, as well as the Premier’s Sporting Challenge.

Academic extension is further supported through participation in the Newcastle Permanent Mathematics Competition, Year 5 Tri-Schools Maths Competition, and a variety of other academic challenges. The Premier’s Reading Challenge encourages a love of literature and extends students’ engagement with high-quality texts. Leadership development is woven throughout the school, most notably through our Student Executive and the Student Representative Council, where students learn to collaborate, build responsible decision-making skills and advocate for their peers.

At Adamstown Public School, we are proud of the breadth of opportunities available to our students. By offering diverse, inclusive and high-quality learning experiences, we nurture the potential of our learners, empowering them to grow, achieve, and reach their personal best confidently within our school community and beyond.

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.

In our classroom

Differentiated learning in the classroom to align with each student’s readiness, interests, and learning pace ensuring appropriate challenges and support is given. This includes the use of Personalised Learning and Support Plans for identified high potential and gifted students.

Across our school

Enrichment opportunities to extend learning beyond the standard curriculum, including project-based learning, competitions, clubs, and specialist programs.

Across NSW

Engagement in statewide academic competitions, creative arts events, leadership programs, and sporting pathways to connect students with broader opportunities. This includes involvement in excursions, guest speaker sessions, and specialised projects beyond the classroom to further support and challenge our learners.