High potential and gifted education (HPGE)
Some students learn faster 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?
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 the classroom, our teachers use a range of high impact strategies to ensure that high potential and gifted students are both supported and extended. These include curriculum differentiation, targeted grouping of students, explicit teaching practices, and the use of formative assessment to monitor growth and inform next steps in learning.
Students also benefit from enrichment and extracurricular opportunities designed to deepen engagement, foster curiosity, and develop higher-order thinking and leadership skills.
At Oak Flats High School, every student is known, valued and cared for, and our commitment to high potential and gifted education ensures that every learner has the opportunity to flourish and excel.
Oak Flats High 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.
- All our students, including high potential and gifted students, are encouraged to take on leadership roles through Student Representative Council leadership, peer mentoring programs and coaching.
- The Homework club and senior study skills sessions provide targeted support, weekly workshops and calm, well-equipped spaces that build confidence and sustained effort.
- When subjects are not available at Oak Flats High School, students in Stages 5 and 6 are supported to access a broad range of learning opportunities through Distance Education. This includes subjects such as Languages, Elective History and a variety of Technology courses, ensuring students can pursue their interests and aspirations.
- The Representative School Sport Pathway and PSSA and CHSSA events enable our students to trial and compete in sports at regional, state and national levels, fostering discipline, commitment and collaboration.
Academic Competitions
We are proud to acknowledge Year 11 students Chris R and Angus W, who were recently presented with the Victor Chang School Science Award at Keira High School. This prestigious honour, named after renowned heart surgeon Dr Victor Chang, is awarded to students across NSW who show exceptional curiosity, creativity and commitment in the field of science.
Chris and Angus have consistently demonstrated the qualities we nurture through High Potential and Gifted Education — strong analytical thinking, perseverance, and a genuine passion for exploring how the world works. Their recognition reflects not only their hard work, but also their growing potential as future innovators in STEM.
Excelenence in VET
Year 12 graduate Zoe, was recognised with the Judge’s Award at the Illawarra Schools Excellence in VET Awards — a standout honour given to a student who embodies the very best of vocational learning.
The judging panel selected Zoe for her exceptional personal qualities and the high potential she shows in her field. She manages herself with maturity, approaches every task with honesty and integrity, and is quick to take initiative when challenges arise. Zoe is also known for supporting and mentoring others, creating a positive impact on the people around her. Her enthusiasm for Primary Industries is unmistakable.
Zoe’s achievement is a wonderful example of the talent and motivation we celebrate through High Potential and Gifted Education.
Sporting Achievements
Ciann has reached the highest level of her sport, taking out the title of All-Round National Champion for 16–17 year old females at the 2025 Australian Karate Federation National Championships. Representing NSW, she won every round across Team Kumite, Individual Kata and Individual Kumite, earning three gold medals against Australia’s top young athletes.
Cian's dedication, resilience and commitment to excellence reflect the qualities we aim to nurture through our HPGE approach. Her achievement showcases what young people can accomplish when they combine talent with sustained effort, self-discipline and a love of challenge.
Excellence in Leadership
Laila, our 2024–2025 School Captain, has been recognised with the Minister’s Award for Excellence in Student Achievement — a significant acknowledgement of her high potential in leadership, service and academic commitment.
Laila consistently demonstrated the qualities we nurture through our High Potential and Gifted Education approach: strong critical thinking, emotional intelligence, initiative and a genuine desire to make a positive impact. Her work as a companion in aged care strengthened her empathy and sense of responsibility, and her involvement on the NSW Regional Youth Taskforce highlighted her ability to represent young people with confidence and clarity.
Laila’s achievements reflect the kind of aspiration, growth and personal excellence we aim to foster in all students.
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.