High potential and gifted education (HPGE)

At Elderslie High School, every learner’s potential is our priority. We are committed to delivering high potential and gifted education that encompasses a wide range of activities and opportunities designed to challenge and inspire our students. Through a variety of academic, cultural, sporting and extracurricular activities, we provide pathways for high potential and gifted students to develop their skills, explore their interests, and reach their full potential.

Our school nurtures each student’s curiosity and creativity through a challenging, supportive environment that encourages critical thinking, problem-solving, and innovative expression.
Our school is a place of diversity and opportunity where every learner belongs and benefits from a range of whole-school programs that support student growth.

High potential and gifted education is delivered in-class, across the whole school and department wide.

Why choose us for your high potential or gifted child?

Recognising potential and developing talent

At our school, we believe every child has unique strengths to be explored and extended beyond the classroom. Our dedicated teachers are skilled at identifying high potential and gifted learners early, using a range of approaches to recognise their abilities. Through personalised learning, enrichment opportunities, and a supportive environment, we nurture each student’s talents, encouraging them to challenge themselves, think creatively, and achieve their personal best.

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 are encouraged to engage in a broad range of regional, state and national programs and initiatives designed to extend and enrich their learning. Participation in these opportunities allows students to connect with like-minded peers, collaborate with experts, and gain valuable experiences beyond the classroom. Through these pathways, we support students to broaden their perspectives, challenge themselves, and realise their full 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.
unleashing potential, inspiring excellence and nurturing every learner at Elderslie High School

Our high potential and gifted education opportunities

Our students engage with HPGE education in the classroom, in our school, and across NSW.

Classroom

Our classroom practices support and extend high potential and gifted students.

We offer differentiated tasks that adjust pace, complexity and higher-order thinking, to enhance enrichment opportunities and extend learning.
We provide strengths-based feedback and goal setting to improve learning outcomes.
We provide safe, supportive classrooms where students feel connected and are empowered to innovate, collaborate, and embrace challenges.
We offer innovative, flexible learning spaces designed to support diverse teaching methods and student collaboration.

School

Our school offers a range of whole-school programs that support student growth.

We provide advanced learning pathways, including an Extension class, Technology class and HSC extension courses
Student junior, senior and house sport leadership teams to build confident future leaders.
Extensive CAPA, STEM, Agriculture and Sport targeted programs grow student talent.
Extensive extra-curricular clubs and programs fostering student interests.
Industry grade practical spaces including commercial kitchens, construction facility and primary industries shed to develop vocational skills.

Statewide

Our students participate in a wide range of programs to extend their potential.

STEM and Agriculture Enrichment Partnerships with industry and universities to deepen intellectual curiosity.
Premiers Debating and Public Speaking Challenges develop critical thinking and confidence.
Premier’s Sporting Challenge, Combined High Schools team representation fostering. commitment and collaboration.
State Dance and Drama festivals, Callback nominations and Schools Spectacular to strengthen physical and creative expressiveness.
Academic competitions and above average HSC marks for successful transition.

Our Schools Spectacular Combined Dance Ensemble had an amazing time performing as part of this amazing showcase.

Congratulations to our talented students receiving awards for their outstanding achievements and dedication to agriculture. Their hard work and passion are truly cultivating the next generation of agricultural leaders.

We are thrilled to celebrate the outstanding achievements of our State Netball Team who shone brightly representing our school. Congratulations on achieving Third Place!

The Science Faculty have a long standing relationship with the CSIRO Generation STEM providing enriching opportunities. Student work is showcased as part of our Community Science Fair.

Extension Class

A program designed to support and nurture students’ high potential and gifted qualities.

Elderslie High School is proudly delivering an extension stream, commencing with Year 7 in 2026. In this enrichment class, students will engage in a range of learning activities aligned with the Department of Education’s High Potential Gifted Education (HPGE) policy. They will have the opportunity to develop their knowledge and skills through high quality challenging, engaging and collaborative learning experiences across all subject areas. Our experienced educators engaged in evidence based professional learning to collaboratively develop a teaching program and plan teaching strategies to purposefully extend and enrich students, fostering a lifelong love of learning.

The 2026 Year 7 Extension Class focuses on the Creative and Social Emotional domains, tailored to this year’s cohort strengths and needs.

If you would like to apply for the 2027 Year 7 Extension Class, please use this link to download the form. Applications need to be submitted to Elderslie High School by 3pm on Friday of Week 2, Term 2.

Application Form Year 7 2027 Round 1 (PDF 422KB)

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Vision Statement

Our extension class is dedicated to nurturing the unique talents of high potential and gifted students by providing a stimulating and supportive learning environment where high expectations and a strong work ethic are the foundation. We inspire students to collaborate meaningfully, build resilience, and develop leadership skills as they engage deeply with challenging and enriching academic opportunities. Through personalised guidance and encouragement, students are empowered to explore their passions, push beyond their boundaries, and achieve their fullest potential.