High Potential and Gifted Education

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At our school, we are dedicated to empowering every student to achieve their full potential by providing tailored, talent development opportunities and differentiated learning experiences. Living in a rural and remote context, we understand the unique challenges our students face, and we are committed to offering personalised support that nurtures their aspirations and goals.

Our High Potential and Gifted Education (HPGE) programs are designed to engage and challenge every student—regardless of their background—across intellectual, creative, social-emotional, and physical domains. Through quality learning opportunities, we encourage students to explore and develop their talents to reach their optimal growth.

We recognise that some students learn at a faster pace or excel in areas outside of sport and academics. Our tailored lessons and activities support these strengths, allowing advanced learners to grow and thrive within a supportive and inclusive environment.

As a school, we provide appropriate classroom and school-based learning opportunities across all curriculum areas utilsiing a number of platforms. Our teaching and support staff continually engage in evidence-based professional learning to meet the diverse needs of our HPGE students. We strive to work closely with families and caregivers to ensure they understand and are involved in supporting their child’s giftedness and talents.

Together, we are committed to inspiring our students to dream big, set meaningful goals, and confidently pursue their aspirations—so they can thrive both now and into their futures.

Why choose us for your high potential or gifted child?

At our school, we believe that every student has unique potential ready to be unlocked and nurtured. Our High Potential and Gifted Education (HPGE) program is inclusive of all students, acknowledging that each child can shine in their own way. We offer opportunities that challenge, support, and inspire every learner, helping them develop as curious thinkers, caring friends, resilient learners, and confident individuals with ambitious goals for their future.

How do we support students in HPGE?

HPGE at our school is about creating experiences that stretch every student. We offer learning opportunities that extend thinking, encourage creativity, strengthen wellbeing and build on individual interests and abilities. Our approach includes:

Personalised learning that builds on each student’s strengths and passions
Differentiated classroom experiences that challenge students and deepen learning
Enrichment beyond the classroom where students can explore, perform, lead and compete
A supportive culture that values responsibility, high expectations and growth

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 students engage in HPGE through various programs and opportunities

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

In our classroom

At Barellan Central School, HPGE is integrated into our daily teaching and learning. We are dedicated to identifying and nurturing high potential and gifted students, ensuring that every student has the opportunity to succeed and flourish in our school community.

Formative assessment to monitor growth and adapt learning using Essential Assessment and the expertise of our secondary space.
Differentiated tasks that adjust pace, complexity and higher-order thinking.
Explicit teaching across K-12.
Strengths-based feedback and goal setting.
Opportunities for leadership within the classroom.
Structured peer collaboration and reflection.
Safe learning environments that encourage confidence, risk-taking, and perseverance.

Across our school

Debating
Individualised Learning Pathways
Music ensembles
Individual music tuition
Visual arts and drama showcases
Creative writing opportunities
Sport squads
House competitions
Peer mentoring
Student leadership (SRC)
Wellbeing programs
Participation in whole-school inclusion and wellbeing initiatives.
RAP - Riverina Access Program

Across NSW

The Premier’s Spelling Bee promotes our students’ vocabulary development and attention to detail in competitive settings.
The Premier’s Debating Challenge helps our students to build logical arguments and confidence in public speaking.
Involvement in the Game Changer Challenge empowers our students to solve future-focused problems using design thinking.
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.