High potential and gifted education
At Harrington Park Public School, we are committed to nurturing the talents and abilities of every student. In alignment with the NSW Department of Education’s High Potential and Gifted Education (HPGE) Policy, we strive to create an inclusive and challenging learning environment that recognises and supports students with high potential across the intellectual, creative, social-emotional, and physical domains.
Our school values the unique strengths of each learner and provides a range of opportunities to ensure high potential and gifted students are identified early, supported thoughtfully, and extended meaningfully. Through differentiated teaching, enrichment programs, and targeted support, we aim to empower students to achieve their personal best and thrive both academically and personally.
At Harrington Park Public School, we believe that high potential is the starting point and with the right support, it can become exceptional performance.
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.
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.
Every student is individual, so opportunities are flexible and diverse.
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At Harrington Park Public School, we are dedicated to providing a wide range of opportunities that support the growth and development of our high potential and gifted students. Through specially designed groups and activities, students work closely with teachers to build on their strengths and explore their interests, helping them achieve their best.
•Students have many chances to challenge themselves intellectually, including debating, public speaking competitions, and participating in academic competitions like the High Potential Challenge Cup. These activities encourage curiosity, problem-solving, and advanced learning.
•We also nurture creativity through events such as our whole-school performances and the biennial school art show, where students can showcase their talents.
•Physical activity is an important part of school life, with opportunities such as PSSA sports, house competitions, training sessions, and physical education classes tailored to different abilities. These activities help promote health, teamwork, and resilience.
•Leadership and personal growth are encouraged through programs like Student Parliament, mentoring, and peer coaching. We provide strong support for students as they move from preschool to kindergarten, Year 6 to high school, and through other grade transitions. Leadership skills are further developed through participation in the Junior AECG. Our school community also fosters a sense of belonging and curiosity with clubs such as lunch bunch, library club at recess, and dance activities.
•Together, these varied programs create a supportive environment where high potential and gifted students can grow in confidence, develop their talents, and enjoy a well-rounded education. We are committed to continually evolving our programs to meet the unique needs of our students.
Our students participate in a wide range of statewide programs to extend and enrich student potential.
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•At Harrington Park Public School, we are dedicated to providing a wide range of opportunities that support the growth and development of our high potential and gifted students. Through specially designed groups and activities, students work closely with teachers to build on their strengths and explore their interests, helping them achieve their best.
•Students have many chances to challenge themselves intellectually, including debating, public speaking competitions, and participating in academic competitions like the High Potential Challenge Cup. These activities encourage curiosity, problem-solving, and advanced learning.
•We also nurture creativity through events such as our whole-school performances and the biennial school art show, where students can showcase their talents.
•Physical activity is an important part of school life, with opportunities such as PSSA sports, house competitions, training sessions, and physical education classes tailored to different abilities. These activities help promote health, teamwork, and resilience.
•Leadership and personal growth are encouraged through programs like Student Parliament, mentoring, and peer coaching. We provide strong support for students as they move from preschool to kindergarten, Year 6 to high school, and through other grade transitions. Leadership skills are further developed through participation in the Junior AECG. Our school community also fosters a sense of belonging and curiosity with clubs such as lunch bunch, library club at recess, and dance activities.
•Together, these varied programs create a supportive environment where high potential and gifted students can grow in confidence, develop their talents, and enjoy a well-rounded education. We are committed to continually evolving our programs to meet the unique needs of our students.
Academic Excellence and Talent Development
Harrington Park Public School proudly supports high potential and gifted students through a range of targeted academic and co-curricular opportunities.
Raymond and Kevin were among 30 students selected to compete in the prestigious Maths Olympiad team, comprised of students from Year 5 and 6. Selected students participated in the Australasian Problem Solving Mathematical Olympiad, a highly challenging competition that extends students through advanced problem-solving and mathematical reasoning. Both students achieved strong results and benefited from the enrichment, challenge, and opportunity to collaborate with highly capable peers.
Our competitive debating program continues to be a standout opportunity for our high potential and gifted students. Two senior teams competed in the Premier’s Debating Challenge, with the Blue Team named Division Champions, successfully progressing through to the State Knockout Rounds. This outstanding achievement highlights the strength of our debating program and the exceptional critical thinking, communication, and teamwork skills of our students. It also reflects the high-quality opportunities provided for HPGE students at Harrington Park Public School.
Talent Development in Sport
Harrington Park Public School is strongly connected to developing clear and supportive sporting pathways that nurture and extend the abilities of talented athletes. By engaging in these pathways, students are given opportunities to train, compete, and excel at progressively higher levels, supporting both their athletic growth and personal development.
This commitment was highlighted through the achievements of Lily and Noah who earned selection in the Sydney South West Athletics Team, proudly representing the region at the State Championships. In addition, Lily also represented the region at the State Cross Country Championships and State Swimming Championships, competing across multiple events.
Participation in these elite pathways provides powerful enrichment for our high potential and gifted students, helping them develop discipline, resilience, goal setting, and leadership skills. Through high-level competition and representative experiences, students are challenged to perform at their best while building confidence and a strong sense of achievement, both on and off the field.
The Harrington Park Public School choir experienced an unforgettable milestone, performing at the iconic Sydney Opera House as part of the combined choir for the Cantabile Music Festival. This prestigious opportunity brought together talented young singers from across the region and provided a unique platform for our students to perform in one of the world’s most celebrated venues.
The experience was especially valuable for our high potential and gifted students, offering them enrichment beyond the classroom and the chance to work at an advanced musical level. Through professional rehearsals and a high-calibre performance, students developed confidence, collaboration, and artistic excellence. Representing our school on such a renowned stage was a powerful and inspiring experience that celebrated their dedication, nurtured their talents, and created lasting memories.
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.