High potential and gifted education

Four Domains of High Potential and Gifted Education at Woonona Public School

We recognise that high potential and giftedness can manifest in various ways and support our students across the four domains:

Academic: We provide challenging curriculum options and support for students excelling in subjects such as mathematics and science.
Creative: Our arts programs encourage creative expression through visual arts, music, dance, and drama, nurturing students’ imaginative capabilities.
Social/Emotional: Leadership and teamwork are fostered through group projects and community initiatives, helping students develop essential social skills.
Physical: We promote physical giftedness through sports programs and physical education opportunities, encouraging students to excel in athletic pursuits and develop their physical skills.

Some students learn faster and more easily than others. These students may shine in creativity, thinking, leadership or sport.

At Woonona Public School, we are dedicated to nurturing the strengths of our high potential and gifted students through a comprehensive HPGE framework. By providing personalised programs and differentiated learning opportunities, we aim to create an inclusive environment where all students can thrive and reach their full potential.

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

At Woonona Public School, we are committed to providing tailored educational experiences for our High Potential and Gifted learners. Our programs include:

Differentiated Learning at Woonona Public School

Our approach to differentiated learning ensures that each gifted learner’s unique needs are met. This may include:

Flexible Grouping: Students work in diverse groups based on their interests and readiness levels, promoting collaboration and peer learning.
Mild, Spicy and Hot Tasks: Differentiated tasks provided in each lesson to cater to varying levels of complexity and challenge for enrichment.
Varied Assessment Methods: We utilise a variety of assessment techniques to understand each student’s strengths and areas for growth, ensuring tailored feedback that fosters further development.
Individual Learning Plans (ILPs): Each gifted learner is encouraged to develop an ILP that outlines their personal goals and learning strategies, providing a roadmap for their educational journey.

Across our school

Aboriginal Cultural Group

A group that focuses on engaging students (Years K-6) with Aboriginal culture and practices.

Aboriginal Cultural Immersion

An initiative that provides students (Years K-6) with insights into Aboriginal culture and traditions.

Art Club

A creative space for students (Years K-2 and 3-6 during different terms) to explore different art forms, develop their artistic skills, and express their creativity.

Camp

Opportunities for students (Years 5-6) to engage in outdoor education and team-building activities.

Chess Club

A space for students (Years 3-6) to engage in chess, enhancing their strategic thinking and problem-solving skills.

Choir

An opportunity for students (Years 3-6) to participate in a choir, developing their vocal skills.

Choral Festival

A musical event that allows students (Years 3-6) to showcase their vocal talents and participate in collaborative performances with other schools.

CoS Band

An opportunity for students (Years 3-6) to participate in a school band, fostering musical skills and teamwork.

CoS Public Speaking Competition

A platform for students (Years K-6) to develop their public speaking and presentation skills through competition.

Gardening Club

A hands-on program where students (Years K-6) learn about sustainable gardening practices and develop environmental awareness.

Library Monitors

Engagement in library activities and opportunities for students (Years 5-6) to serve as library monitors.

PSSA

Participation in the Primary Schools Sports Association, providing opportunities for students (Years 3-6) to compete in various sports at a representative level.

Robotics and Coding

An interactive program where students (Years K-6) learn coding and robotics, fostering technological skills.

Run Club

An initiative that promotes running and fitness among students (Years K-6).

Southern Stars

A performing arts initiative that provides opportunities for students (Years 3-6) to engage in musical theatre and dance performances.

Sports Gala Days

Days dedicated to celebrating sports and athletic abilities among students (Years 3-6).

Sports House Captains

Leadership roles for students (Years 3-6) within sports houses, promoting teamwork and school spirit.

Stage 3 Leadership Day

A day for students (Years 5-6) where they explore the purposeful skills, attitudes and behaviours of being a leader.

Student Representative Council

Student Representative Council for students (Years K6), fostering leadership and representation.

Talent Show

An event where students (Years K-6) can display their talents in front of an audience.

Tech Club

A club focused on technology and media, allowing students (Years 3-6) to create and share content.

Ukulele Club

A club where students (Years 3-6) can learn to play the ukulele and develop their musical skills.

University Discovery Days

Events that allow students (Years 3-6) to explore university options and engage with higher education opportunities.

WooTube

A platform for students (Years 5-6) to create and share video content with the school community.

Writing and Art Competitions

Competitions that encourage students (Years 5-6) to showcase their writing and artistic talents.

Writing Club

A dedicated space for students (Years 5-6) to enhance their writing skills through various genres and styles.

Year 5 HPAG Class

A High Potential and Gifted class that provides targeted learning experiences for students (Year 5 only).

Year 6 HPGE Class at Woonona HS

A specialised class for students (Year 6 only) that prepares them for high school with a focus on high potential and gifted education.

Please note: Some of these programs run daily or weekly, whilst others may be over a term. Some programs will be when the opportunity arises, and others may be held one year and not the following due to student interest, staffing, or changes in school direction.

Across NSW

CBC Luncheon

A luncheon event for students (Years 5-6) to engage with community members and celebrate achievements.

Community Artwork Competitions

Opportunities for students (Years K-6) to engage in and showcase their artwork within the community.

Halogen Young Leaders Day

A one-day conference for students (Year 6 only) on the leadership team focused on developing leadership skills.

Kids Art Magazine

A project that encourages students (Years 5-6) to contribute to a children's art magazine.

Maths Explorer

A program that encourages students (Years 3-4) to explore advanced mathematical concepts and apply their knowledge in real-world contexts.

Maths Olympiad

A national competition that challenges students' (Years 5-6) mathematical skills and problem-solving abilities.

Maths Quest

An interactive program designed to engage students (Years 1-2) in mathematical concepts through fun and challenging activities.

Minister’s Christmas Card Competition

A competition where students (Years K-2) create Christmas cards to be submitted for consideration by the Minister.

MindQuest

A program that challenges students' (Years K-6) thinking and problem-solving abilities through various tasks.

Premier’s Reading Challenge

A program that encourages students (Years K-6) to read widely and participate in a reading challenge.

Programs run by the Arts Unit

Various initiatives that offer students (Years K-6) opportunities to engage in specialised arts education and experiences.

Sporting Pathways

Programs that guide talented athletes (Years 2-6) in their development, including access to coaching and competition at higher levels.

State Knockout Sports

Competitive sports events for talented athletes where they compete against other schools, in a diverse range of sports, in a knockout format (Years 5-6).

Writing Workshops CBCA - Spending Day with Author

Workshops that provide students (Years 3-6) with the chance to learn from authors and enhance their writing skills.