High Potential and Gifted Education

OUR APPROACH

Turramurra Public School is committed to providing comprehensive educational opportunities for high-potential and gifted students across all domains of giftedness. We believe that every student deserves to be challenged and extended at their level, and our approach combines in-class differentiation with targeted enrichment programs.

IDENTIFICATION OF HIGH PERFORMANCE AND GIFTED STUDENTS

Students are identified through multiple pathways:

Careful tracking and analysis of individualised student data
Teacher nomination based on classroom performance and potential
Standardised testing results
Parent referral
Ongoing monitoring to identify both high performers and underperforming gifted students

This multi-faceted approach ensures we identify students who require extension and challenge, including those who may be underperforming relative to their potential.

IN-CLASS STRATEGIES

High Potential and Giftedness is catered for in every activity, in every classroom through:

Differentiated tasks tailored to individual student ability
Ability grouping for targeted instruction
Curriculum compacting to accelerate learning for students who demonstrate mastery
Individual learning plans for students requiring specific extension
Flexible grouping that allows students to work at appropriate levels across different subject areas

WHY CHOOSE US FOR YOUR HIGH PERFORMING 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

INTELLECTUAL DOMAIN

In-Class Extension Programs

Targeted extension activities in literacy and numeracy
Advanced problem-solving and critical thinking tasks
Independent research projects

Enrichment Program

Structured program providing opportunities for creative thinking, problem-solving, and collaboration
Students work together on complex, real-world challenges
Production of student newspaper incorporating news, surveys, creative writing, and critical analysis

Academic Competitions

Mathematics Olympiad
Tournament of Minds
Public speaking and debating competitions

STEM Opportunities

Robotics club (state runner-up at RoboCup Championship)
STEM club providing hands-on science, technology, engineering, and mathematics challenges
Chess club developing strategic thinking and problem-solving skills

CREATIVE DOMAIN

Performing Arts

Four school bands catering to different skill levels
Three choirs providing vocal performance opportunities
Three dance groups (Years 2-6)
Regular performance opportunities

Visual Arts

Operation Art participation
Arts club running at lunchtimes
Exhibition and display opportunities

Creative Writing and Media

Student newspaper production through enrichment program
Debating program developing argumentation and communication skills
Public speaking opportunities

Wellbeing Programs

Cool Kids and UR Strong programs supporting all students, including HPGE learners
Targeted support for common HPGE challenges including perfectionism and social-emotional needs

Peer Grouping

Enrichment program providing opportunities for HPGE students to collaborate with intellectual peers
Structured group work in extension programs

Leadership Development

Student Representative Council (Kindergarten to Year 6)
Year 6 leadership positions (School Captains, Vice Captains, House Captains, Prefects)
Friendology program developing student leadership skills in younger years
Student leaders supporting peers with social-emotional wellbeing in the playground

PHYSICAL DOMAIN

Specialist Sports Programs

Specialist sports teacher providing quality physical education
Hornsby Zone School Sport participation and representation
Sports aerobics program (national champions)
Multiple sporting opportunities across summer and winter seasons
Targeted coaching for students demonstrating high performance in sport

OUR COMMITMENT

At Turramurra Public School, we are committed to ensuring that high-performing and gifted students are recognised, challenged, and supported to reach their full potential across all domains. Through a combination of quality classroom teaching, targeted programs, and extensive enrichment opportunities, we provide pathways for students to excel academically, creatively, socially, and physically