High potential and gifted education

At Wakehurst Public School, every learner is supported to thrive. Many of our students demonstrate high potential across intellectual, creative, social-emotional and physical domains, and we provide targeted opportunities to help them grow and excel.

We are committed to nurturing talent through a wide range of classroom, school and department-level initiatives. These include differentiated teaching, enrichment programs and system-wide opportunities for students who show advanced ability or potential.

Our culture is one of high expectations and inclusive excellence. We ensure that all students, regardless of background, have access to learning experiences that challenge, inspire and help transform potential into achievement.

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Why choose us for your high potential or gifted child?

Recognising potential and developing talent

At Wakehurst PS, we believe every student has something special to offer. Our teachers take the time to get to know each child—identifying their strengths early and nurturing their growth. Whether in the classroom, on stage, or on the sports field, we support students to become confident, capable learners who are proud of who they are.

Tailored lessons

Learning at Wakehurst is not one-size-fits-all. Our teachers adjust lessons to suit individual needs, providing extra challenge or support where needed. Whether it’s a Year 3 student excelling in maths or a creative thinker in Stage 1, we keep learning purposeful, engaging and matched to each child’s abilities.

Rich opportunities and activities

From band, choir, and dance to PSSA sport, student leadership and lunchtime clubs, students have many ways to explore their interests and shine. These programs help students build skills, connect with others and find joy in learning beyond the classroom.

Opening doors to wider experiences

Students at Wakehurst PS are encouraged to take part in local, state and national programs such as the Premier’s Spelling Bee, Festival of Choral Music and Maths Olympiad. These experiences challenge students to think big, aim high and represent our school with pride.

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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.

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Our high potential and gifted education opportunities

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

In our classrooms

Our classroom practices are designed to identify, support and extend high potential and gifted learners across all stages.

Differentiated tasks that adjust pace, complexity and higher-order thinking.
Strengths-based feedback and goal setting.
Advanced learning pathways, including accelerated or compacted content.
Opportunities for leadership within the classroom.

Across our school

Wakehurst PS offers a wide range of whole-school programs and co-curricular opportunities that support student growth, talent development and engagement beyond the classroom.

Debating teams in Years 5 and 6
Junior and senior dance groups
Student Representative Council (SRC) and school leadership roles
PSSA (Primary Schools Sports Association) teams who compete in inter-school competitions
Training and concert bands
Junior and senior choirs
Lego club and drawing club
Maths Olympiad program
Shadow Judges (Children’s Book Council of Australia)
Drama groups
Garden and Green Team leadership opportunities

Across NSW

Students at Wakehurst PS are encouraged to take part in a range of statewide programs that challenge their thinking, showcase their strengths and promote excellence.

Premier’s Spelling Bee
Premier’s Debating Challenge
Premier’s Sporting Challenge
Festival of Choral Music Choir
PSSA and representative sport pathways allow students to compete at zone, regional, state and national levels while building discipline, commitment and teamwork.