High potential and gifted education
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 Burwood Public School, High Potential and Gifted Education (HPGE) is embedded in our everyday learning.
We recognise that many students demonstrate exceptional abilities, and we are committed to nurturing these strengths across all areas of development.
Teachers identify students’ learning needs and use evidence-based strategies to challenge and extend their thinking. We provide a range of learning pathways, including enrichment programs, extension tasks, and acceleration when appropriate. Students are supported across the four HPGE domains:
Creative Domain: Encouraging originality, innovation, and creative problem-solving through projects, design challenges, and artistic opportunities.
Intellectual (Cognitive) Domain: Offering deep, thought-provoking tasks, critical inquiry, and opportunities for advanced learning.
Physical Domain: Supporting growth and wellbeing through sport, coordination, and physical skill development.
Social-Emotional Domain: Promoting resilience, self-awareness, leadership, and positive social engagement.
Flexible groupings, leadership opportunities, and strengths-based feedback ensure students are challenged appropriately while feeling supported. Our teachers engage in ongoing professional learning to meet the diverse needs of all learners, ensuring every student has the opportunity to thrive.
At Burwood Public School, every learner’s potential is our priority. We are a place of diversity and opportunity, where every student belongs and is encouraged to explore their strengths.
Our HPGE program runs in-class, across the whole school, and department-wide, giving students opportunities to think critically, create, lead, and grow every day.
Opportunities Include:
- Creative Arts: Dance, Music, Art, Band, Orchestra
- STEM & Coding: Lego Club, Coding Projects, Maths Inquiry Hour
- Leadership & Communication: SRC, Public Speaking, Peer Mentoring
- Competitions & Performances: Spelling Bee, Dance Eisteddfod
- Lunchtime clubs, excursions, cultural activities, and more
We celebrate student achievements through performances, showcases, and competitions, while fostering a supportive environment that values curiosity, wellbeing, and belonging.
At our school, HPGE is part of our culture, empowering students to thrive academically, creatively, and socially, preparing them to lead and make a difference.
At Burwood Public School, students participate in a wide range of statewide programs designed to extend and enrich their potential.
Students in Years 5 and 6 engage in the Australasian Problem Solving Mathematical Olympiads (APSMO), while Years 3 and 4 take part in APSMO Maths Explorer, developing strong problem-solving and critical thinking skills.
Students also enjoy participating in the Premier’s Reading Challenge, Premier’s Spelling Bee, Premier’s Debating Challenge, and the Multicultural Public Speaking Competition, building confidence and communication skills.
Sporting talent is supported through Gala Days and the NSWPSSA representative sport pathway, giving students the opportunity to trial and compete at regional, state and national levels.
Burwood Public School remains committed to providing high-quality opportunities that nurture student potential and celebrate excellence across NSW.
Senior Dance Group – Opera House Performance Competition
Our Senior Dance Group represented the school proudly at the Opera House, competing against schools from across the state. Under the leadership of Ms Mitchell and Ms Tarran, with choreography by Ms Charlie, the team delivered a polished and energetic performance on stage.
Judges praised the group for their strong energy and teamwork. This achievement highlights the commitment and creativity of our talented dancers.
Winter Gala Day Champions
Our Senior B netball team were crowned champions at the Winter 2025 Grand Final Gala Days. Over three busy days at Cintra Park, students played 5-6 games each day, showing impressive teamwork, resilience and determination.
“A busy and stressful environment with lots of fun. Serious competitors, because we wanted to win.”
-- Jaden and Mokshitha
Performance Choir – Opera House Showcase
Our Senior Performance Choir proudly represented our school at a statewide concert at the Sydney Opera House. After a year of dedicated rehearsals, our soprano and alto singers delivered a stunning performance on one of Australia’s most iconic stages.
“A moment in time - a beautiful song that relates to the beauty of nature.”
- Mokshitha
A special thank-you to Ms. Rowland and Ms. Wijngaarden for their expert guidance and support.
Looking for translated guidance?
The Department of Education provides multiple-language translations about High Potential and Gifted Education to assist families and guardians.
Click through for a translated High Potential and Gifted Education guide
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
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.