High potential and gifted education

Our staff are committed to identifying high potential in students by using objective, valid, and reliable measures as part of formative assessment to support and inform teaching and learning across the creative, intellectual, physical, and social–emotional domains.

Teachers actively assess and identify the specific learning needs of all high potential, gifted, and highly gifted students, ensuring that every student has access to tailored programs and support that meet their unique learning needs.

Our planning is shaped by the belief that teachers must hold high expectations for all students, recognising that every student requires differentiated and evidence-informed learning opportunities to optimise growth and achievement.

We collaborate with families, our school community, and the wider community, and engage in ongoing professional learning to build teacher capability and enhance growth and achievement for all high potential and gifted students. Through these actions, our teachers are dedicated to being the catalyst for high performance and talent development for every student.

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.

In our classroom

At Carcoar Public School, we recognise that high potential exists in many forms and across all learners. Our approach to High Potential and Gifted Education (HPGE) is embedded in everyday teaching and learning, guided by a strong focus on formative assessment, evidence-informed practice and purposeful differentiation to meet the unique needs of every student.

Below are some of the evidence-based teaching strategies used in classrooms at Carcoar Public School to support all students:

Use of Formative Assessment Tools

Teachers regularly use diagnostic assessments, observations and student self-assessment to identify strengths, interests and areas for growth across the creative, intellectual, physical and social–emotional domains. This timely information informs planning, targeted support and differentiation, enabling teachers to respond effectively and promote continuous growth for every learner.

Differentiated Learning Tasks and Flexible Grouping

Learning experiences are designed with varying levels of complexity and multiple entry points. Students work independently, in pairs or in flexible groups based on learning needs, interests or strengths. This approach ensures appropriate challenge, encourages collaboration and leadership, and supports the development of motivation, confidence and social skills.

High Expectations Embedded in Lesson Planning

High expectations are central to teaching and learning at Carcoar Public School. Teachers design learning goals that promote higher-order thinking, creativity and problem-solving, while supporting students to set personal goals and reflect on their progress. This fosters a growth mindset, resilience and self-efficacy, leading to deeper engagement and improved achievement.

Student Leadership and Voice

Students are provided with meaningful opportunities to take on leadership roles in learning, school projects and community initiatives. Through goal setting, reflection and self-assessment, students develop ownership of their learning, build confidence and strengthen leadership skills aligned with the Carcoar Way.

Ongoing Professional Learning and Collaboration

Teachers at Carcoar Public School engage in ongoing professional learning focused on HPGE practices and collaborate to share expertise and refine differentiated curriculum planning. This collective approach strengthens instructional quality and consistency, ensuring all students benefit from high-quality teaching and purposeful talent development.

Across our school

At Carcoar Public School, High Potential and Gifted Education is an integral part of our core work. We are committed to recognising and nurturing the strengths and talents of every student by providing flexible, inclusive and enriching learning opportunities that support growth across the intellectual, creative, social and physical domains.

Here are some of the opportunities available to support the talent development of students at Carcoar Public School:

Representative sport pathways
Student Leadership
Public speaking
School camp
Wellbeing programs
Curriculum aligned excursions & incursions
Heritage Country Small Schools
CWA projects

Across NSW

At Carcoar Public School, we actively engage in a range of statewide and network-based competitions, initiatives and enrichment opportunities, giving our students meaningful chances to challenge themselves, extend their learning and strive for personal excellence. Through these experiences, we work to ensure that every student’s unique strengths and talents are recognised, developed and celebrated within our school and wider community.

Below are some of the opportunities available to support the talent development of students at Carcoar Public School: