Supporting High-Potential and Gifted Learners at Gordon West Public School
Some students learn faster and and more easily than others. These students may shine in creativity, thinking, leadership or sport.
At Gordon West Public School, we are committed to identifying and nurturing the unique potential of high-potential and gifted learners. Through a combination of data-driven assessment and targeted support, we provide differentiated classroom programs, enrichment opportunities, and advanced learning pathways where appropriate. We collaborate closely with families and the wider community to ensure each student’s talents are recognized and developed, regularly reviewing our programs to ensure they meet evolving needs.
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.
"Our son has been identified as working above his year level. Gordon West has been outstanding in providing an accelerated program that meets his needs. He is thoroughly enjoying the challenge of being extended in his learning every day." - a parent of Gordon West Public School
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 programs in the arts, sport, leadership and more.
Opening doors to wider experiences
Our students can participate in a wide range of state-wide programs 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.
Learn more about HPGE at https://education.nsw.gov.au/teaching-and-learning/high-potential-and-gifted-education
Our high potential and gifted education opportunities
Our students can take part in HPGE opportunities in the classroom, in our school, and across NSW.
We aim to provide a dynamic and supportive learning environment where gifted learners can thrive:
- Differentiated tasks tailored to pace, complexity, and higher-order thinking
- Ongoing formative assessment to monitor growth and adjust learning strategies
- Explicit teaching of critical thinking and problem-solving skills
- Inquiry-based projects and cross-curricular learning (e.g., Year 4’s Powerful Project)
- Flexible grouping and opportunities for collaborative work and presentations
- Specialist teaching in Physical Education focusing on skill refinement, agility, and coordination
- Targeted learning goals in areas like control, agility, and coordination
- Leadership opportunities within the classroom, peer collaboration, and regular reflection
- A safe, inclusive environment that encourages risk-taking, confidence, and perseverance
- Strengths-based feedback and goal-setting tailored to individual progress
- Coding Club and technology workshops with our specialist ICT teacher
Beyond the classroom, we offer a range of programs to further challenge and develop gifted learners:
- Debating through the SNC Debating competition
- Participation in academic competitions such as the Maths Olympiad
- Showcase Performance
- Creative writing opportunities, including the Write On competition
- Sports teams, including PSSA Sport and house competitions
- Dance groups: Junior and Senior
- Peer mentoring through buddy classes and peer support programs
- Student leadership opportunities through the Student Representative Council (SRC) for Years 2-6
- Wellbeing and inclusion programs to foster a supportive and caring school culture
- Music ensembles: Junior Bands, Strings, and Senior Bands
- Extracurricular activities such as Drama, Dance, Art, Chess, and Coding
Gifted learners at Gordon West Public School also have access to advanced opportunities beyond the school level:
- Premier’s Spelling Bee
- Premier’s Debating Challenge
- Schools Spectacular and other major performance events
- Participation in State Music Ensembles (e.g., State Wind Orchestra, State Choirs)
- Premier’s Sporting Challenge and Representative School Sport Pathways (PSSA/CHSSA)
- Sydney North Public Schools Dance Festival
- Cultural Diversity Art Competition and other regional art festivals
- State Dance Ensemble and State Dance Camp
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 clubs, sports and other opportunities our students have beyond the classroom.
Learning
Find out about our approach to learning and supporting students to progress.