High potential and gifted education (HPGE)

What is high potential and gifted education?

The High Potential and Gifted Education Policy applies to all NSW public schools, teachers, and students. It describes a framework for developing the talent of high potential and gifted students and provides advice on implementing effective learning and teaching practices.

HPGE domains of potential

The 4 domains of potential describe natural abilities found in Françoys Gagné's Differentiated Model of Giftedness and Talent DMGT 2.0 (2009). Students may display abilities in one or more domains.

Intellectual domain

Refers to natural abilities in processing, understanding, reasoning, and the transfer of learning.

Creative domain

Refers to natural abilities in imagination, invention and originality.

Refers to natural abilities in self-management and relating to and interacting with others.

Physical domain

Refers to natural abilities in muscular movement and motor control.

High potential and gifted education at our school

At Sydney Distance Education High School we provide opportunities for every learner to be challenged, supported and inspired, helping them grow as curious thinkers, compassionate friends, resilient learners and confident individuals.

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Identifying student potential

We believe every student has potential waiting to be discovered and developed. Our students may demonstrate natural strengths across creative, intellectual, physical, or social-emotional areas. Our commitment is to recognise these strengths early and provide tailored support so every high potential student can thrive. Teachers identify and refer potential HPGE students to our school HPGE team at different stages of their school journey.

On enrolment and previous school achievements
External or formal assessments
Communication with parents
Academic achievements in classwork
Extra-curriculum activities such as art club, health club, music enrichment classes or Student Leadership Groups.

HPGE opportunities

We support our high potential and gifted learners through:

effective teaching strategies such as enrichment, extension, and acceleration to deepen learning and inspire curiosity.

tailored classroom support that stretches and challenges students, encouraging them to achieve at their highest level.
access to a wide range of opportunities within our school and through NSW-wide initiatives that promote growth and development.

Tailored lessons for individual abilities

Every student is different. Our teachers adjust lessons to suit individual learning needs by offering extension activities and additional challenges, ensuring that learning stays exciting and engaging for all.

Rich opportunities and activities

Beyond the classroom, students can develop their talents in arts, sports, leadership, and more. We offer a broad range of experiences designed to inspire, extend and enrich student potential.

We create an inclusive and supportive environment that recognises and nurtures each student’s unique strengths, encouraging them to embrace challenges and pursue their passions with confidence.

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

In our classroom

In-class enrichment and extension activities.
Differentiated tasks that adjust pace, complexity and higher-order thinking.
Formative assessment to monitor growth and adapt learning.
Explicit teaching of critical thinking and problem-solving strategies.
Opportunities for abstraction, inquiry, and curriculum depth.
Tasks that promote choice, authenticity, and critical and creative thinking including cross-curricular projects.
Flexible grouping for collaborative ideation and presentation.
Supportive learning environments that enable exploration and self-assessment.
Strengths-based feedback and goal setting.
Opportunities for leadership within the classroom.
Structured peer collaboration and reflection.
Safe learning environments that encourage confidence, risk-taking, and perseverance.
Single course curriculum provision for accelerated students.

Across our school

Participation in arts and cultural programs.
Hosting our school presentations days.
Hosting our virtual assemblies.
Coffee club.
Podcasts.
Student Leadership Group.
Harmony days.
Diversity days.
Academic competitions.
Music ensembles.
Visual arts clubs.
Book clubs.
Drama showcases.
Creative writing groups.
Wellbeing programs.
Participation in whole-school inclusion and wellbeing initiatives.

Across NSW

Careers fair enabling students to connect with tertiary providers and employers.
Special projects and competitions beyond the school.
Secondary Schools Student Leadership Program at NSW Parliament House.
State Science competitions.
The Premier’s Sporting Challenge (PSC) promotes whole-school participation in physical activity with leadership pathways.
Our Student Leadership Group program connects our students with trusted adults to build confidence, motivation, and interpersonal skills.

Intellectual domain

Academic achievements

Heidi Brumley was awarded first in the state for 2025 HSC English Studies. Our school HSC pathways program allowed her to achieve her outstanding success.

Social-emotional domain

Student leadership opportunities

Our Student Leadership Group have a opportunities to engage in a variety of internal and external meetings and events.

Intellectual domain

Academic achievements

Octavia’s success qualified her for the award of the NSW Education Standards Authority (NESA) Chairperson’s Aboriginal Studies Award.

Creative domain

Music performances

Our school band have the opportunity to perform at school events such as our Big Day In and presentation days.

Creative and social-emotional domains

Public speaking opportunities

Our school presentation days and virtual assemblies are always hosted by our talented students who have shown potential in speaking to large audiences.

Vocationally talented students

Our school has an enrolment category for students that are employed in the entertainment industry or are students participating at elite levels in the performing arts or sport. This category of enrolment allows our students to achieve academic success whilst facilitating their talent development in the creative and physical domains. We have elite level athletes and performers who often travel overseas to pursue their goals and dreams. We have many students that have participated as Olympic athletes or on the world stage. These students are involved in these types of disciplines: