High potential and gifted education

Georges River College Peakhurst Campus is committed to fostering excellence in learning by providing an environment where high potential students are challenged, supported and inspired to thrive. Guided by the Department of Education’s High Potential and Gifted Education Policy, the school recognises and nurtures students’ intellectual, social-emotional, physical and creative capabilities through a broad range of differentiated and enriched learning experiences.

Our high potential and gifted education opportunities

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

Our extension classes provide an accessible and inclusive program for high potential and gifted students at our school. They aim to:

We offer extension classes in Year 7 and 8 across all subjects and in Years 9 and 10 in each of the core subjects. Entry to the Year 7 extension class is by application and cohort assessment in literacy and numeracy. For students in extension classes,  progress is continually monitored and class placement is reviewed on a semester basis.

Students in extension classes have the opportunity to cultivate critical and creative thinking, collaborate, strengthen resilience, be empowered to pursue personal excellence and contribute positively to their learning community.

In our classroom
  • Differentiated tasks that adjust pace, complexity and higher-order thinking​.
  • Formative assessment to monitor growth and adapt learning​.
  • Advanced learning pathways, including accelerated or compacted content​.
  • Explicit teaching of critical thinking and problem-solving strategies.
  • Tasks that promote choice, authenticity, and critical and creative thinking​ including cross-curricular projects.
  • Flexible grouping for collaborative ideation and presentation​.
  • Differentiated movement tasks and skill refinement in PDHPE​.
  • Targeted learning goals for coordination, agility, and control​.
  • Opportunities to take on lead roles in physical demonstrations or team strategy​.
  • Supportive learning environments that enable exploration and self-assessment.
  • Strengths-based feedback and goal setting.​
  • Opportunities for leadership within the classroom​.
  • Structured peer collaboration and reflection.​
  • Safe learning environments that encourage confidence, initiative and perseverance​.
Across our school

intellectual domain

social-emotional domain

Democracy Writing Competition

Debating

Public Speaking Competitions

The Quest Competition (Science/Mathematics)

Fish Tank Competition (Marine Studies)

Premier’s reading challenge (Library)

Inquisitive minds workshop (Maths)

Writing Club

ASX Stock Market Game

Renewable Energy Program (Science Incursion)

Junior Thinkers Conference (Science)

Building Bridges that Last (Engineering workshop)

Wellbeing programs

Student Representative Council

Boys Mentor Programs

Girls Mentor Programs

Peer Support

Leadership Camp

Primary School Debating Workshops and Adjudication

Charity fundraising

Volunteering

physical domain

creative domain

Dance ensemble

Gala Days

Knockout Teams competitions

Zone and Regional representation – swimming, cross country, athletics

Zone and Regional representation – individuals for team sports

Duke of Ed

Masterchef

Bake-Off

Barista course

Drama Club

Production and recording group

Contemporary music ensemble

Jazz music ensemble

Music jam sessions

NSW Schools Spectacular

Flash mobs

Dance ensemble

Peakform performance evening

Peakview art exhibition

Art Club

Draw-off competition

Georges River College Stage Band

Georges River College Concert Band

Event crew

Media crew

Across NSW
  • The Premier’s Debating Challenge helps our students to build logical arguments and confidence in public speaking.
  • Write A Book in a Day competition showcases our students' creative writing and design talents
  • The Quest Challenge provides opportunities for creativity, problem solving and teamwork, offering the level of challenge that fosters outstanding achievement
  • The Schools Spectacular is an iconic performing arts event that celebrates the talents, diversity and creativity of students from across NSW public schools.
  • Participation in drama ensembles promotes character exploration, storytelling and expressive freedom for our drama students.
  • Participation in music ensembles (e.g. State Wind Orchestra, State Choirs) hones our students’ musical skills, discipline and ensemble awareness.
  • The Premier’s Sporting Challenge (PSC) promotes whole-school participation in physical activity with leadership pathways and professional learning.
  • 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.
  • Opportunities to audition for state-wide dance ensembles to extend dance students’ technical skills, performance presence and physical expressiveness.

Why choose us for your high potential or gifted child?

Recognising potential and developing talent
At our school, we believe every child has unique strengths waiting to be nurtured. Our dedicated teachers are skilled at identifying high potential and gifted learners early, using a range of approaches to recognise their abilities. Through personalised learning, enrichment opportunities, and a supportive environment, we nurture each student’s talents, encouraging them to challenge themselves, think creatively, and achieve their personal best.
Tailored lessons

Our extension classes provide an accessible and inclusive program for high potential and gifted students. They aim to:

  • Challenge and engage students through a targeted learning pathway that extends knowledge, skills and understanding
  • Support talent development across the four domains of potential. Domains of potential often overlap, and grouping students who excel in the different domains can support learning needs
  • Adapt to students changing needs and circumstances.
Rich opportunities and activities
Our school provides a diverse range of opportunities for students to explore and extend their talents beyond the classroom. Through participation in programs across the arts, sport, leadership, and academic enrichment, students are encouraged to challenge themselves, develop new skills, and pursue areas of personal interest. These experiences foster confidence, resilience, and a sense of accomplishment, supporting students to become well-rounded individuals who contribute positively to their school and wider community.
Opening doors to wider experiences
Our students are encouraged to engage in a broad range of state-wide programs and initiatives designed to extend and enrich their learning. Participation in these opportunities allows students to connect with like-minded peers, collaborate with experts, and gain valuable experiences beyond the classroom. Through these pathways, we support students to broaden their perspectives, challenge themselves, and realise their full potential.

Have a question about High Potential and Gifted Education?

If you would like additional information about our how we support our High Potential and Gifted students, please don’t hesitate to contact us.

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