High potential and gifted education

At Marrickville Public School, we are committed to the NSW Department of Education’s High Potential and Gifted Education (HPGE) Policy, which ensures that students with high potential across all areas of ability are identified, supported and challenged to thrive. The policy recognises that students may demonstrate high potential — and the capacity for gifted performance - in one or more of four domains: intellectual, creative, social, emotional and physical.

Our HPGE process includes a continuous cycle of assessment, identification, planning, implementation and evaluation, ensuring that all students with potential and giftedness are recognised and extended across all four domains. 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.

Through enrichment, extension, and extra-curricular opportunities, we provide engaging pathways to coach talent, build confidence and develop capabilities that prepare students for high school and life beyond.

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

· 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.

· In our supportive classrooms, students feel a strong sense of belonging and are encouraged to take risks, be creative and collaborate with others. Flexible grouping allows students to take on leadership roles, while strengths-based feedback, clear goals, and opportunities for self-assessment foster independence and growth.

· Our teachers engage in professional learning to support the diverse needs of all students, including our high potential and gifted learners.

Across our school

Our school is committed to supporting all students, including those with high potential and gifted abilities, through diverse programs that promote academic excellence, creativity, leadership, and physical development. Our High Potential and Gifted Education (HPGE) initiatives offer enrichment and extension opportunities beyond the standard curriculum. These programs include academic challenges, performing arts, and leadership roles, designed to inspire students, help them develop skills, build confidence, and foster a passion for learning. Below is a list of some of the opportunities available to students at Marrickville PS:

· Debating

· Enrichment Maths classes

· Public Speaking

· NSW Premier’s Spelling Bee

· NSW Premier’s Reading Challenge

· NSW Premier’s Sporting Challenge

· K-6 STEM program

· Chess

· Gardening Club

· Year 3-6 enrichment programs such as Cooking, Graphics/ Web-Design, Languages, Visual Arts and Crafts, First Nations Cultural Studies, Textiles, School Newspaper, Film making, Community Outreach, Music Production

· GATEWAYS literacy, mathematics and critical thinking workshops

· School musicals

· Leadership skills are fostered through our Year 6 Leadership Program and the Student Representative Council (SRC)

· Music ensembles such as Strings, Band, Rock Group and Choirs

· Visual arts and drama showcases

· PSSA and NSWPSSA State Knockout Competitions, coaching, training, carnivals, alongside differentiated PE for all students

· Peer mentoring, including supporting students at our local pre-schools

· Wellbeing programs

Across NSW

Multicultural Perspectives Public Speaking Competition encourages our student to explore ideas of multiculturalism in Australia while they practise their public speaking skills and improve their confidence.

· Participation in music ensembles (e.g. Festival of Instrumental Music, Primary Proms, Cantabile) hones our students’ musical skills, discipline and ensemble awareness.

· Maths Olympiads, Maths Games and Maths Explorer competitions

· Game Changer Technology Challenge

· The Premier’s Sporting Challenge (PSC) promotes whole-school participation in physical activity with leadership pathways and professional learning.

· The Representative School Sport Pathway and PSSA events enable our students to trial and compete in sports at regional, state and national levels, fostering discipline, commitment and collaboration.

· Our mentoring programs connect our students with trusted adults including school alumni to build confidence, motivation, and interpersonal skills.