High potential and gifted education
Some students learn faster and 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?
- Our school recognises that every student is individual, and we provide flexible and diverse opportunities for students to explore and grow their strengths outside the classroom.
- Our school offers a range of whole-school programs that support student growth. We are committed to recognising and nurturing high potential and gifted students, ensuring every student has the opportunity to thrive at our school.
- Our school identifies and supports students with high potential through targeted enrichment, extension and extra-curricular opportunities such as debating, dance, STEM programs and coding clubs.
- Student talent is celebrated and extended through the bi-annual drama production, the bi-annual visual arts showcase, choir performances and dance groups.
- Our students can take part in sports training squads, coaching sessions, and differentiated Physical Education programs.
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 programs in the arts, sport, leadership and more.
Opening doors to wider experiences
Our students can participate in a wide range of state-wide programs 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.
Learn more about HPGE at Department of Education - HPGE
Our high potential and gifted education opportunities
Our students can take part in HPGE opportunities in the classroom, in our school, and across NSW.
Our HPGE program ensures every student is challenged & supported to reach their full potential. It is embedded across the classrooms through:
- differentiated learning
- goal setting
- learning contracts
- strategic use of technology
- targeted lessons
- assessments to ensure teaching is responsive & challenging
At Padstow North, we pride ourselves on offering every child opportunities to excel, lead, and grow.
Learning extends well beyond the classroom through programs that spark curiosity, creativity, and confidence.
- Yr 3-6 Robotics Program
- Debating & public speaking teams
- Dance groups
- Student Leadership (SRC)
- Sport - interschool, district and state representation
- Innovative extension programs & interschool partnerships from 2026.
Our students can participate in a wide range of state-wide programs that aim to extend and enrich student potential.
- Padstow North continues to prioritise sporting participation in a range of competitions including selection through to zone, regional and state carnivals and representative team sporting competitions.
- Students participate in ICAS English and Mathematics
- The Premier’s Sporting Challenge promotes whole-school participation in physical activity with leadership pathways and collaborative learning. Students reflect and share their learning, so experiences build knowledge and character, contributing to the identity of themselves and their school.
Parents may experience a range of emotions when they discover their child’s high potential — from excitement and pride to uncertainty about how best to support their learning needs. Understanding the unique characteristics and abilities of a high potential or gifted child can be both rewarding and challenging.
Across NSW, a range of organisations, associations, and universities offer parent courses and presentations designed to help families nurture their child’s potential and wellbeing.
For more information, visit the NSW Department of Education’s Supporting Parents and Carers of High Potential and Gifted Students webpage.
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 clubs, sports and other opportunities our students have beyond the classroom.
Learning
Find out about our approach to learning and supporting students to progress.