Inspire – High potential and gifted education

In our classroom

At Kurrajong Public School, we are committed to identifying and supporting high potential and gifted students across all learning areas. In alignment with the NSW Inspire – High potential and gifted education Policy, we recognise that high potential may be demonstrated in different ways, across different domains, and at different times. Our role is to create the conditions that allow every student to develop their potential and thrive.

We support high potential and gifted learners across the four HPGE domains:

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Intellectual Domain

Students are challenged to think deeply, reason critically and engage with complex ideas.

• Differentiated teaching and learning programs that provide depth, complexity and challenge
• Explicit instruction in critical thinking, problem-solving and metacognitive strategies
• Flexible and responsive grouping to ensure appropriate challenge and growth
• Ongoing use of formative and summative assessment to inform targeted teaching

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Creative Domain

Students are encouraged to think imaginatively, explore ideas and take intellectual risks.

• Learning experiences that promote creativity, innovation and divergent thinking
• Opportunities for open-ended tasks and inquiry-based learning
• Classroom environments that encourage curiosity, originality and experimentation
• Valuing creative thinking across all learning areas

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Social–Emotional Domain

Students are supported to develop confidence, resilience and a strong sense of self.

• Student-led goal setting and learning conversations with parents
• Personalised, timely feedback that supports reflection and growth
• Explicit teaching of self-regulation, perseverance and wellbeing strategies
• Supportive classroom cultures that promote belonging, collaboration and respectful relationships

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Physical Domain

Students are supported to develop potential through physical engagement, coordination and performance.

• Opportunities for physical challenge, skill development and participation in sport
• Differentiated learning experiences in physical education and sport settings
• Encouragement of teamwork, leadership and goal setting through physical activity
• Recognition of diverse strengths and talents beyond the classroom

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Through these practices, Kurrajong Public School ensures that high potential and gifted students are identified early, supported consistently and challenged appropriately, enabling them to grow academically, socially and emotionally while remaining connected, confident and engaged learners.

Across our school

At Kurrajong Public School, we provide a wide range of opportunities that enrich learning and support the development of the whole child. These experiences nurture students’ interests, talents and wellbeing, while building confidence, connection and a strong sense of belonging.

Opportunities are intentionally designed to support student growth across creative, academic, leadership, sporting and wellbeing areas.

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Creative and Performing Arts

Students are encouraged to develop confidence, expression and performance skills through creative opportunities.

• K–2 and 3–6 dance groups
• Choir and school band programs
• Performance opportunities at the Hawkesbury Performing Arts Festival and local shopping centres

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Academic Enrichment and Innovation

Students are provided with opportunities to extend their learning, develop critical thinking skills and pursue areas of academic interest.

• Chess Club, supporting the development of strategic thinking, logic, concentration and problem-solving skills
• School debating teams that build reasoning, collaboration and persuasive communication
• Public speaking programs, including participation in Multicultural Perspectives Public Speaking and the Hawkesbury Public Speaking Competition
• Opportunities for students to participate in a range of writing competitions
• Student enrichment groups providing additional challenge and extension opportunities

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Sport and Physical Development

Students are supported to develop physical skills, teamwork and a lifelong enjoyment of sport and physical activity.

• Participation in multiple sports gala days through the Hawkesbury PSSA, including
  Oz Tag | Basketball | Soccer | Netball | Rugby League | Cricket | Tennis
• School, zone and regional carnivals in cross country, athletics and swimming
• Opportunities to participate in a range of extra-curricular sporting programs, including
  Tennis | AFL | Soccer | Cricket | NRL | Netball

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Leadership and Student Voice

Students are empowered to lead, serve and contribute meaningfully to the school community.

• Year 6 leadership initiatives, where each year 6 student holds a responsibility that supports the effective operation of the school
• FriYay groups, interest-based peer support groups led by Year 6 students to foster connection and belonging
• Student Representative Council (SRC), providing students with a voice in school decision-making and initiatives

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Wellbeing and Connection

Students are supported to thrive socially and emotionally within a caring school environment.

• Engagement in whole-school wellbeing initiatives that promote resilience, positive relationships and student voice
• Programs that strengthen peer connection, confidence and a sense of belonging

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Through these opportunities, Kurrajong Public School ensures students are supported to explore their interests, develop their strengths and grow into confident, capable and connected learners.

Across NSW

Through high-quality classroom practice and targeted enrichment, Kurrajong Public School ensures high potential and gifted students are identified early, supported consistently and challenged appropriately. Students are provided with meaningful opportunities to extend their learning, apply their skills in authentic contexts and pursue excellence across academic, sporting and enrichment pathways.

Opportunities available to students include:

• Academic extension programs, including Maths Olympiad and participation in the International Competitions and Assessments for Schools (ICAS)
• Representative sport pathways, with students eligible to progress through zone, regional and state representation across a range of sports
• Participation in the NSW Premier’s Spelling Bee, recognising excellence in spelling, vocabulary and language skills
• Engagement in the NSW Premier’s Reading Challenge, fostering a love of reading and breadth of literary experience
• Involvement in Multicultural Perspectives Public Speaking at regional and state levels
• Opportunities to compete in chess competitions, supporting strategic thinking, problem-solving and academic challenge

Through these opportunities, students are encouraged to set high expectations, pursue personal excellence and represent their school with pride, while developing the confidence, resilience and dispositions needed to succeed in high-level and authentic learning contexts.