High potential and gifted education
Some students learn faster and more easily than others. These students may shine in creativity, thinking, leadership or sport.
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 high potential and gifted education opportunities
At The Hills School, every learner’s potential is our priority, and our staff have embraced HPGE through tailored professional development to support students in the following ways.
In our classroom
- Development of differentiated tasks that adjust pace, complexity, and encourage higher-order thinking skills, ensuring each student is appropriately challenged and engaged in their learning journey.
- Ongoing formative assessment practices that closely monitor student growth and inform instructional adjustments, allowing for personalised learning experiences that meet individual needs.
- Targeted learning intentions focused on developing coordination, agility, and control, supporting the holistic physical, social-emotional and cognitive development of students.
- Safe and supportive learning environments that encourage confidence and safe risk-taking, helping students to overcome challenges and build resilience.
Across our school
- Our school provides opportunities for student voice and student advocacy through our school captaincy and prefect program.
- We use Augmentative and Alternative Communication (AAC) options to provide different ways of learning that help students develop their potential, as a part of supporting their overall learning needs.
- We ensure our teachers have time to engage in professional learning to build their experience and ensure they can assess, recognise potential and differentiate content in the classroom and school setting.
- Our school has active links with other nearby schools and their local communities. Students may have access to HPGE events, such as the RISE CAPA showcase and The Hills Performing Arts festival, annually.
- Our Mini-Woolies program supports the development of workforce skills by offering students practical, hands-on experience in retail operations, fostering responsibility, teamwork, and customer service abilities.
- We engage students in external work education opportunities to develop independence and foster problem-solving skills.
Across NSW
- Our school participates in opportunities including the Premier’s reading and sporting challenges.
- The Sports Unit offers a diverse range of learning opportunities across the domains of potential. Our students participate in a range of offerings provided by the Sports Unit including Boccia, Multi-Sport days and Tenpin Bowling.
- Our school partners with Winds of Change to build student capacity in the wider community through their sailing program.
- Our school has engaged with The Arts Unit and auditioned for School’s Spectacular to showcase student talent in the D’Arts classification.
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.