High potential and gifted education
Some students learn faster and more easily than others. These students may show natural abilities in creative, intellectual, physical, and/or social-emotional domains.
At our school, we recognise and nurture these strengths early. We support high potential students with great lessons and activities to help then grow and thrive.
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?
The department is committed to ensuring equitable access to high potential and gifted education for all students, regardless of background or location. High potential and gifted education is delivered in our schools through a combination of in-class, whole school and system level programs, practices and procedures.
How do schools find high potential?
At Branxton Public School, evidence-informed teaching supports all students to achieve personal excellence. We understand that potential exists along a continuum, with different levels of potential requiring tailored approaches. High potential students demonstrate abilities that exceed those of their peers in one or more areas, while gifted students show significantly advanced potential in one or more subjects or domains.
Our assessments for high potential and gifted students include achievement tests, work samples, student self-nominations, pre-testing, formative assessments, and teacher observations. Using this comprehensive information, we implement evidence-informed strategies designed to support the ongoing talent development of our high potential and gifted learners, ensuring they are challenged and supported to reach their fullest potential.
Our high potential and gifted education opportunities
At Branxton Public School, every learner’s potential is our priority. We recognise that many students have high potential, and we are dedicated to helping that potential grow into something powerful. Our teachers actively identify and nurture each student’s strengths, supporting them to be the best they can be. We focus on developing high potential across four key domains: creative, intellectual, physical, and social-emotional. By challenging students to think critically, create innovatively, lead confidently, and grow continuously, we cultivate a vibrant learning environment where every learner belongs and thrives.
Our school embraces diversity and opportunity, fostering a culture of high expectations and equity in excellence. We ensure that all students, regardless of their background, have meaningful opportunities to develop their potential into talent. We offer a wide range of programs and experiences across the four domains of potential, engaging and challenging every student. High potential and gifted education is integrated throughout the school, with in-class support and department-wide initiatives. Branxton Public School provides a variety of supports and opportunities designed to inspire and empower our high potential and gifted learners to reach their fullest potential.
Our students engage with HPGE education in the classroom, in our school, and across NSW.
At Branxton Public School, we are dedicated to recognising and nurturing high potential and gifted students, ensuring every learner has the opportunity to thrive. Our classrooms provide supportive environments that encourage creativity, collaboration, and risk-taking. Using evidence-informed teaching practices, we identify and extend students’ learning needs through enrichment, extension programs, and acceleration. Our teachers continually engage in professional learning to meet the diverse needs of all students, including those with high potential and gifted abilities.
At Branxton we offer
- Individualised Learning Needs - Teachers identify students' learning needs within the classroom and apply evidence-informed teaching practices to challenge and extend each learner. We offer diverse learning pathways, including enrichment and extension program.
- Supportive Classroom Environment - Our classrooms foster a strong sense of belonging and encourage students to take risks, be creative, and collaborate with their peers in a positive and inclusive setting.
- Flexible Grouping and Strengths - Based Feedback - Groups are flexible to meet student needs, with students encouraged to take leadership roles. Feedback focuses on strengths, setting clear goals and promoting self-assessment to support growth.
- Ongoing Professional Learning - Our teachers continually engage in professional development to effectively support the diverse needs of all students, including those with high potential and gifted abilities.
At Branxton Public School, we celebrate each student’s individuality by providing flexible and diverse opportunities to explore and grow their strengths beyond the classroom. We offer a variety of whole-school programs that support student growth, including targeted enrichment, extension activities, and extra-curricular opportunities. All students, including those with high potential and gifted abilities, are encouraged to develop leadership skills through student leadership and mentoring programs. Talent is further nurtured through creative and sporting programs designed to engage and challenge every learner.
At Branxton we offer (depending on teacher availability):
- Reading Club and Makers Empire - Cultivate literacy development alongside creative problem-solving abilities.
- Starstruck Participation - Nurture and showcase students’ performing arts talents.
- Student Voice - Develop leadership skills and a strong sense of social responsibility.
- HPGE Activities with Local High School - Offer extension opportunities and smooth transition pathways for high potential and gifted learners.
- PSSA Sports and Choir - Support and enhance students’ physical abilities and artistic giftedness.
Our students participate in a wide range of statewide programs to extend and enrich student potential.
At Branxton we offer:
- Debating and Public Speaking - Enhance critical thinking, effective communication, and leadership abilities.
- ICAS Competitions - Encourage academic excellence while identifying high potential learners across various subjects.
- Shadow Judging - Engage students in evaluative and reflective thinking to deepen their analytical skills.
- Reading Club and Makers Empire - Inspire literacy growth alongside creative problem-solving and innovation.
- Lego Makers and Game Changers - Foster STEM skills and cultivate a spirit of innovation and collaboration.
- Premier’s Spelling Bee - Develop spelling proficiency, vocabulary, and confidence in language skills.
Congratulations to Mikayla and Maddy for being part of the Hunter PSSA girls football team that won the gold medal at this week's state championships! This outstanding achievement highlights not only their talent and dedication but also the strong sporting culture we foster here at Branxton Public School. Celebrating successes like these inspires all our students to pursue their passions and strive for excellence in every area of their learning and development.
Achievements in sports like Mikayla and Maddy’s demonstrate the importance of teamwork, commitment, and resilience—qualities that we encourage throughout our school community. Their success serves as a powerful example of what can be accomplished through hard work and collaboration, motivating our students to set goals and believe in their potential both on and off the field. We are incredibly proud of their accomplishment and look forward to supporting more students in reaching their personal bests.
Congratulations to Jacob and Felix, who proudly represented Branxton Public School in the Regional Finals of the Premier’s Spelling Bee. Their participation in this challenging competition highlights their strong literacy skills and dedication to academic excellence. Although they did not advance to the State Finals, both boys successfully spelled some very difficult words and demonstrated resilience and confidence throughout the event. Their efforts have made our entire school community proud.
The Premier’s Spelling Bee is a valuable opportunity that supports our High Potential and Gifted Education (HPGE) program by challenging students to extend their vocabulary, improve their spelling proficiency, and develop critical thinking skills. Competitions like this encourage students to push their boundaries and engage deeply with language, fostering a love of learning that goes beyond the classroom. Jacob and Felix’s involvement exemplifies how HPGE initiatives nurture student talents and help them build the skills and confidence needed to excel academically and personally.
Today, our school leaders—Evelyn, Harrison, Mia, and Olivia—had the incredible opportunity to attend a School Leaders Morning Tea at the Cessnock Performing Arts Culture Centre. This event was a valuable experience that supports our High Potential
and Gifted Education (HPGE) program by fostering leadership skills and personal growth. Meeting Australian Paralympian Lauren Parker was a highlight, as she shared her inspiring story of resilience and determination. Her message encouraged our leaders to embrace challenges, view setbacks as opportunities, and lead with courage and compassion—qualities that are essential for personal and academic excellence.
This leadership experience aligns with our commitment to developing well-rounded, high potential students who not only excel academically but also grow as empathetic and confident individuals. By engaging with role models like Lauren Parker and participating in events that broaden their perspectives, our student leaders are empowered to take on responsibilities with integrity and creativity. We are incredibly proud of Evelyn, Harrison, Mia, and Olivia for representing Branxton Public School and embodying the values that support the growth and success of all our learners.
Our talented dance group recently had the exciting opportunity to participate in StarStruck, a prestigious performing arts festival that showcases creativity, skill, and artistic expression. This experience provided our students with a unique platform to challenge themselves and develop their talents in a supportive and inspiring environment. Being part of StarStruck not only allowed them to refine their technical abilities but also encouraged teamwork, confidence, and perseverance—key qualities that align with the goals of our High Potential and Gifted Education (HPGE) program.
Participation in events like StarStruck supports our commitment to nurturing high potential and gifted learners by offering enrichment beyond the traditional classroom setting. Through dance, students explore their creative potential, learn to express themselves artistically, and engage in collaborative problem-solving. These experiences foster a deeper appreciation for the arts while promoting personal growth and resilience. We are proud of our dance group for their dedication and enthusiasm, and we celebrate how opportunities like StarStruck empower our students to reach new heights in both their creative and academic journeys.
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 opportunities our students have at our school.
Learning
Find out about our approach to learning and supporting students to progress