Inspire – High potential and gifted education

At Vardys Road Public School, we believe every child has unique strengths, talents, and potential. Some students may demonstrate advanced abilities in areas such as learning, creativity, leadership, sport, or social and emotional understanding. Our role is to recognise these strengths and provide opportunities for students to flourish.

Through our Inspire program, we support high potential and gifted students with engaging, challenging, and differentiated learning experiences that encourage curiosity, creativity, critical thinking, and personal growth.

Our programs provide opportunities for students to:

Extend and deepen their learning
Explore areas of passion and interest
Develop problem-solving and critical thinking skills
Participate in enrichment and extension activities
Showcase their talents and achievements

We recognise that high potential and gifted students come from all backgrounds and communities, and that these abilities may present in different ways. Some students may excel in one area, while others may demonstrate strengths across multiple domains.

Our teachers work closely with families to identify and nurture student strengths, ensuring every child is supported to reach their full potential. Through ongoing monitoring and personalised learning opportunities, we help students develop confidence, resilience, and a lifelong love of learning.

At Vardys Road Public School, we are committed to creating an environment where every child is challenged, inspired, and empowered to succeed.

Why choose us for your high potential or gifted child?

High Potential and gifted learners

Some children show advanced abilities in learning, creativity, leadership, sport, or social skills.

You may notice strong curiosity, fast learning, deep focus, strong memory, or a strong sense of fairness.

If you see these traits in your child, please speak with their classroom teacher so we can support their learning.

Some students may also be twice exceptional, with both strengths and additional learning needs. If you think this applies to your child, please contact us.

Identifying High Potential and Gifted Students

At Vardys Road Public School, we recognise and nurture the strengths and talents of every child.

We use ongoing assessment, classroom observations, and family partnerships to identify students with high potential and gifted abilities, ensuring they are appropriately challenged and supported.

This helps us provide learning experiences that engage, extend, and inspire every learner to achieve their personal best.

Individual Learning Plans

Some highly gifted students may need additional support and adjustments beyond classroom differentiation. In these cases, a Personalised Learning Plan (PLSP) may be developed.

PLSPs are created in consultation with families in Term 1, reviewed each term, and shared with parents. They are regularly updated based on the student’s progress.

At the end of each year, the plan is passed on to the next teacher to ensure continuity of support.

Supporting Our Teachers to Support Every Learners

We invest in ongoing professional learning so our teachers are confident in supporting high potential and gifted students.

This includes whole-staff training, coaching, collaborative planning, and regular team discussions to share expertise and strengthen practice across the school.

What is High Potential and Gifted Education?

At Vardys Road Public School, High Potential and Gifted Education (HPGE) is how we support students who are ready for extra challenge and extension in their learning.

We provide engaging, high-quality teaching, along with enrichment and extension opportunities that inspire students both in and beyond the classroom.

We recognise that students may show high potential in different ways. By identifying and nurturing these strengths across four key areas, we help every child grow, thrive, and reach their full potential.

Intellectual

Students who think deeply, solve problems quickly, and enjoy challenging ideas. They are supported with learning that extends and deepens their thinking.

Creative

Students who are imaginative and innovative. They may express themselves through art, writing, design, or new ideas and are given opportunities to explore and create.

Students who show strong leadership, empathy, and teamwork skills. They are supported through leadership roles, group work, and opportunities to contribute to the school community.

Physical

Students who demonstrate strength in sport, movement, and coordination. They are encouraged through sport, dance, and other physical activities to develop their skills and confidence.

Through HPGE, we aim to help every child grow, thrive, and reach their full potential.

In our classroom

[Your school's classroom level HPGE offerings - refer to HPGE toolkit]

Across our school

[Your school's school level HPGE offerings - refer to HPGE toolkit]

Across NSW

[Your school's state-wide level HPGE offerings - refer to HPGE toolkit]