High potential and gifted education

At Arncliffe West Infants School, our High Potential and Gifted Education (HPGE) program nurtures students’ physical, social-emotional, intellectual, and creative growth. Guided by the Department’s focus on holistic development, we identify and support exceptional abilities across diverse domains, fostering academic, creative, physical, and social strengths to help students reach their full potential and build skills for lifelong success and wellbeing.

In line with NSW Department of Education policies, we use ongoing assessment to tailor learning opportunities and ensure equitable access for all high potential and gifted students. Our approach includes differentiation, reasonable adjustments, and targeted support, underpinned by validated tools and best-practice frameworks—creating a supportive, inclusive environment where every student can 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.

Physical Domain
Students from Kindergarten to Year 2 benefit from free swimming lessons in our school pool led by qualified Austswim teachers, building water confidence and essential skills. From 2026, 8-year-old students will also have the opportunity to represent the school at the small schools swimming carnival. Specialist coaches deliver expert training across a variety of sports, encouraging physical development and teamwork. All students participate in the Premiers Sporting Challenge to promote fitness and active lifestyles.

Social-Emotional Domain
Our students’ wellbeing is supported through regular emotional check-ins using the Life Skills Go program, helping them develop self-awareness and regulation. Leadership skills are fostered through Year 2 lunchtime jobs, where students contribute to their school community. We also offer diverse playground spaces and engaging activities designed to build friendships, confidence, and social skills.

Intellectual Domain
Differentiated learning activities and flexible groupings ensure that each child’s individual needs and strengths are supported. English and Mathematics programs are tailored and ability-based, with teachers using a wide range of strategies to meet diverse student needs. The school library offers a broad collection—from picture books to chapter books—encouraging a lifelong love of reading. Experienced teachers and dedicated support staff guide students’ learning, with technology integrated throughout programs to enhance engagement and achievement.

Creative Domain
Students are inspired creatively through lessons with a specialised music teacher as part of their regular curriculum. Our teachers participate in professional development such as the Music in Me program to build expertise in music education. Children have the opportunity to express themselves and develop performance skills by joining our dance and choir groups, regularly showcasing their talents in school assemblies.