High potential and gifted education

At Toongabbie East Public School, we believe every learner is unique and capable of achieving excellence in their own way. We recognise that some students learn more quickly and easily than others and that high potential and gifted learners often demonstrate strengths in creativity, critical thinking, leadership, or sport.

We understand that success today goes beyond academic ability alone. Essential skills such as resilience, showing up consistently, effective communication, collaboration, and adaptability are crucial for all learners, especially those with high potential. It is our responsibility to nurture, challenge, and inspire these students not only academically but also in developing these soft skills that prepare them for life beyond school.

Through rich, differentiated learning experiences, we identify and extend the strengths, talents, and interests of all students across all areas of learning. Purposeful programming, enrichment, and co-curricular opportunities empower our high potential and gifted learners to grow, achieve, and flourish both intellectually and personally.

We value strong partnerships with families and the wider community to ensure our advanced learners receive early recognition and support. By providing explicit lessons and targeted activities, we help nurture their strengths and equip them with the confidence and skills to thrive in an ever-changing world.

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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

At Toongabbie East Public School, we are committed to recognising and nurturing high potential and gifted students. We understand that each learner is unique, and we provide tailored learning programs and supportive environments to help every student thrive.

Our teachers engage in continuous professional learning and work collaboratively to deliver evidence-based teaching practices that challenge and extend our learners. We believe in providing all students with opportunities to develop not only their academic skills but also important capabilities such as creativity, critical thinking, resilience, and collaboration.

In our classroom

How We Support Our Learners

We use a range of proven teaching strategies to meet the diverse needs of our students, including:

Differentiated Learning Tasks and Grouping
We customise learning activities and group students flexibly, based on their interests and abilities. This approach fosters deeper understanding, teamwork, and social skills.
Explicit Teaching
Our teachers provide clear, direct instruction with step-by-step guidance, helping students build confidence and master new concepts.
Formative Assessment
Regular checks on progress enable teachers to identify areas where students need extra support or extension.
Timely Feedback
We offer constructive and specific feedback to guide students on their learning journey and help them achieve their personal goals.
Effective Questioning
Teachers use open-ended and higher-order questions to encourage critical thinking and active participation.
Professional Learning and Collaboration
Our staff regularly update their skills and share best practices to continually improve how we support high potential and gifted learners.

At Toongabbie East Public School, we partner with families and the community to ensure every learner has the opportunities and support they need to flourish.

Across our school

At Toongabbie East Public School, we recognise that every student is unique, and we are committed to providing flexible and diverse opportunities for students to explore and develop their individual strengths beyond the classroom.

Our school offers a wide range of whole-school programs designed to nurture talents, build skills, and foster confidence in various areas of interest. These programs encourage students to engage creatively, socially, and personally while complementing their academic learning.

Some of the exciting opportunities available for our students include:

Art Club
Explore creativity and develop artistic skills in a supportive environment.
Choir
Join fellow students to experience the joy of singing and performing together.
Chess Club
Challenge your mind and develop strategic thinking through friendly competition.
Culture Club
Celebrate diversity, learn about different traditions, and foster inclusivity.
Dance Club
Express yourself through movement, develop coordination, and enjoy performing.
Drama Club
Build confidence and express yourself through acting and theatre.
Minecraft Club
Engage in fun, creative problem-solving and teamwork activities.
Speechie’s Corner
Improve communication skills and build confidence in speaking and listening.
Student Representative Council (SRC) Program
Develop leadership skills and contribute to our school community.
Aboriginal Ambassador Leadership Program

Represent the school at events and support school initiatives.
Kate's Cooking Program
Learn valuable cooking skills and enjoy making nutritious meals.
Feast Oz Harvest Gardening Program

Participate in sustainable gardening projects and learn about food production.
NRL Clinics
Develop teamwork, fitness, and sportsmanship through expert coaching and rugby league skills.
Breakfast Blast – Sydney Thunder
Start the day energised with fun cricket activities and health awareness, supported by Sydney Thunder players.

These programs provide enriching experiences that help students grow holistically, develop soft skills like collaboration and resilience, and inspire a lifelong love of learning.

Across NSW

Our students participate in a wide range of statewide programs to extend and enrich student potential.

We provide access to local, state and national competitions and events to help students explore and extend their talents.

Here are some of the opportunities available to support the talent development of students at Toongabbie East Public School:

PSSA Zone Athletics, Cross Country & Swimming Carnivals

Sydney West Representative Teams & Carnivals

Come and Try Days Department of Education

Premier’s Spelling Bee

Premier’s Sporting Challenge

Public Speaking Competitions

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