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.High potential and gifted education

The High Potential and Gifted Education Policy promotes engagement and challenge for every student in every school.

The following principles guided the development of the HPGE policy:

All students, regardless of background or personal circumstances, require access to learning programs that meet their learning needs and support to aspire to, and achieve, personal excellence.
Our commitment to high expectations for all students includes high potential and gifted students.
Achieving excellence for high potential and gifted students is underpinned by effective school environments including quality teaching, learning and leadership.

Potential exists along a continuum, where differing degrees of potential require differing approaches and levels of adjustment and intervention.

Our high potential and gifted education opportunities

At Kurrambee School, we believe every learner's potential is our priority. We are committed to recognising and nurturing the unique strengths of students with moderate to severe intellectual disabilities through our inclusive High Potential and Gifted Education (HPGE) programs. Our approach is designed to provide meaningful opportunities that challenge , inspire, and celebrate the diverse abilities of each student.

We believe that high potential and giftedness can be expressed in many ways—intellectual, creative, physical, or social-emotional. At Kurrambee School, our dedicated staff work collaboratively with families to identify and support these interests and strengths by offering tailored learning experiences that encourage exploration, growth, and achievement.

Our students engage with HPGE education in the classroom, in our school, and across NSW.

Intellectual

Explicit teaching and modelled thinking to build understanding and problem-solving skills.
Targeted learning goals through Personalised Learning Plans (PLPs) focused on knowledge, skills, and understanding.

Differentiated tasks that adjust pace, complexity, and encourage higher-order thinking skills, ensuring each student is challenged and engaged.
Ongoing formative assessments to monitor growth and inform teaching adjustments for personalised learning.
Flexible groupings and extension activities encouraging higher-order thinking.
Use of technology and visual supports to promote curiosity and independence.
Strengths-based feedback and goal setting fostering a growth mindset.
Opportunities for participating in the Premier’s Reading Challenge.
Continuous feedback and reflection to ensure challenge and success.

Independent Writing

Explicitly teaching students data in maths

Predictable Chart Writing

Creative

Opportunities to explore interests and express ideas through inclusive and meaningful programs across the school.
Use of technology as different ways of learning to support creativity.
Enriching practical, real-world experiences in showcases such as RISE: Real Inspiration

Performing at the RISE Showcase

Developing a students creative skills identified through his Personalised Learning Pathway

Physical

Targeted learning goals focused on developing coordination, agility, and control for holistic physical development.

Participation in the Premier’s Sporting Challenge promoting whole-school physical activity with leadership pathways.

Engagement in Sports Unit programs such as Boccia, Multi-Sport days, and Tenpin Bowling.

Representing our school at the School Sport's Unit Tenpin Tournament 2025

Representing our school at the NSW School Sport Boccee Competition

Opportunities for leadership within the classroom to build confidence and communication skills.
Safe and supportive learning environments encouraging confidence, risk-taking, perseverance, and resilience.
Student voice and advocacy platforms such as the Student Representative Council to empower students.
Collaboration with local communities and broader school networks encouraging social participation and inclusion.