High potential and gifted education (HPGE)
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.
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 opportunities to develop their talent in the arts, sport, leadership and more.
Opening doors to wider experiences
Our students can participate in a wide range of state-wide opportunities 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.
Our high potential and gifted education opportunities
Our students engage with HPGE education in the classroom, in our school, and across NSW.
At Merrylands Public School, HPGE lives in everyday practice. We challenge our students to think, create, lead and grow every day.
- Teachers identify students' learning needs in the classroom and use evidence-informed teaching practices to challenge and extend students. We provide learning pathways, including enrichment and extension programs and acceleration.
- Our supportive classroom environments promote a sense of belonging and encourage risk-taking, creativity and collaboration.
- We provide tasks that promote choice, authenticity, and critical and creative thinking.
- Our teachers engage in professional learning to support the diverse needs of all students, including our high potential and gifted learners.
Our school identifies and supports students with high potential through targeted enrichment, extension and extra-curricular opportunities. Every student is individual, so opportunities are flexible and diverse.
Students are able to engage in opportunities including:
- Enriched learning experiences in Writing
- Interschool Public Speaking and Debating competitions
- Dance troupes
- Vocal and music ensembles
- Creative arts showcases
- Student leadership (SRC and School Leaders)
- Technology Experts
- Knockout Sports Competitions
- Zone PSSA sports interschool competitions
Statewide and NSW Department of Education support is available for high potential and gifted students, and we help with entries, preparation and reflection so every experience feeds back into 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.
Academic competitions
Multicultural Public Speaking
This competition encourages primary school students to explore ideas of multiculturalism in Australia while they practise their public speaking skills and improve their confidence.
Malia, Year 6 State Athletics Sports Star
Malia is a determined and passionate athlete who has represented our school in many sports including netball, newcombe ball, rugby league, athletics and league tag. Through consistent training, focus, and a positive attitude, she has transformed her natural talent into real achievement. She was placed 4th in discus at the recent State Athletics Carnival representing Sydney West.
Malia sets clear goals for herself and pushes through challenges, always striving to improve her performance. Her dedication on and off the field has earned her the respect of her coaches and teammates, and her confidence continues to grow with every success. By beleiving in herself and staying committed, Malia is showing what it truly means to achieve and reach ones's potential.
Music ensembles
Gimbawali Choir Ensemble and Frist Nations Dance Group - is a large-scale, combined concert for public school students from the NSW Department of Education, featuring performances in music and dance. Held at the Sydney Opera House it showcases the talents of students from multiple school networks, with performances ranging from school choirs to senior and Indigenous dance groups.
Our Dynamite Dance Group performs at local community events and high school performing arts events.
Student opportunities and activities
Discover the opportunities our students have at our school.
Learning
Find out about our approach to learning and supporting students to progress