High potential and gifted education

At Como West Public School, every learner’s potential is our priority. We foster a culture of high expectations and equity, providing all students with opportunities to grow across the creative, intellectual, physical, and social-emotional domains. Our commitment to recognising and nurturing high-potential and gifted learners ensures that every student can thrive. Using evidence-informed teaching practices, we identify individual learning needs and provide tailored pathways through enrichment, extension, and acceleration programs. Beyond the classroom, we offer flexible and diverse opportunities for students to explore their strengths and develop their talents.

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

At Como West Public School, high potential and gifted students from all backgrounds have access to quality learning opportunities that meet their needs and aspirations.

Our programs include:

Sporting carnivals, school sport and inter-school sporting competitions
Academic Competitions (such as Math's Olympiad)
School Band
Language Activities
Peer Mentoring
Student Leadership through the SRC and Leadership Pathways
Public Speaking
Dance Groups and Extension Dance Ensemble
Participation in Schools Spectacular
Green Team
Interest based Clubs (such as chess club, film club and other student led clubs)
Junior and Senior Choir
Participation in whole school wellbeing initiatives

In our classroom

At Como West Public School, HPGE is embedded in daily learning. We identify students with high potential and guide them as they grow their talents.

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.
Flexible grouping practices are employed, student leadership is actively fostered, and feedback is strengths-focused and goal-oriented.
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 offers a range of programs and initiatives that support student growth across all domains: intellectual, creative, physical & social-emotional.

Leadership is fostered through the SRC, peer mentoring and Senior Leadership Pathways
Creativity is cultivated through visual arts programs, school band, choir, dance groups and preparation for the Schools Spectacular
Students grow capabilities through differentiated instruction, competitions and interest based clubs (such as film club, chess club and student-led clubs)
Students develop physical skills through school sport, PSSA and sports carnivals.

Across NSW

We provide access to local, state and national competitions and events to help students explore and extend their talents.

Participation in creative workshops and performances hones our students’ skills in drama, design, music and dance. (e.g. Create South, Symphonic Winds, SSSSMF)
The Schools Spectacular is an iconic performing arts event that celebrates the talents, diversity and creativity of students from across NSW public schools.
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.
Participation in the Public Speaking competition cultivates a deep understanding of a variety of important issues and promotes critical thinking and communication.

Our school is proud of our Extension Dance Ensemble, whose members perform at a variety of events throughout the year. Their dedication, skill, and creativity shine on stage, showcasing the exceptional talent within our school community.

Como West Public school is proud of both our Training and Performing Bands, which provide students with opportunities to develop their musical skills and confidence. Members of the Performing Band also participate in larger music ensembles, further enhancing their musicianship and professionalism.

Our Student Representative Council is made up of student leaders who work together to plan and organise a range of engaging lunchtime activities. Through their service, they foster school spirit, connect students across year groups, and develop outstanding leadership skills.

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.

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