High Potential and Gifted Education

Sylvania High School is committed to identifying and supporting the learning, wellbeing, and engagement of high potential and gifted students across all domains: intellectual, creative, physical, and social-emotional. We provide targeted opportunities, inclusive learning environments, and aspirational challenges through our academically selective class and the school-based SOAR program, aligned with the NSW Department of Education’s HPGE Policy to ensure that:

· all students, regardless of background or personal circumstances, have access to learning programs that meet their learning needs and support their ability to aspire to, and achieve, personal excellence

· high expectations for high potential and gifted students result in individual and collective achievement

· excellence for high potential and gifted students is underpinned by effective school environments including quality teaching, learning and leadership

· different approaches and levels of adjustment and intervention are available to differing degrees of potential for individual students.

The provision of excellence in equity and inclusion is a key dimension of professional practice.

At the heart of our school’s approach to high potential and gifted education is a commitment to quality teaching that is informed, inclusive, and responsive. Our classrooms are designed to foster deep engagement through curriculum that challenges, extends, and enriches the learning experience of every student. Teachers use evidence-based strategies to differentiate instruction, tailoring content, process, and product to align with student readiness, interests, and preferred learning styles. Students are encouraged to take intellectual risks, pursue curiosity, and engage in tasks that develop their capacity for critical and creative thinking.

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.

Why choose us for your high potential or gifted child?

SOAR

Our approach to HPGE is guided by the SOAR framework:

Strive – for a growth mindset.

Own – your learning progress

Achieve – academic success.

Rise – above expectations

In Stage 4 the SOAR program focuses on nurturing talent through individualised support in effective goal setting and mentoring a high challenge high support environment.

Students eligible for the SOAR program are expected to show commitment to personal development and willingness to engage in review/feedback processes. Through the planned review process, staff are able to identify barriers which may contribute to underachievement and make adjustments in order to support student need(s).

· Partner with local organisations (universities, government, business and community groups).

Students identified as HPGE will receive a SOAR Profile. This learning profile is developed collaboratively with the student and their family. The focus of a SOAR Profile is to identify strengths across HPGE domains, student goals and aspirations.

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Extension Stream

Extension classes in Years 7-10, and extension pathways in Years 11 and 12 ensure our highly capable students have the rigour and challenge they require to accelerate in their learning and achievement. Year 7 students are offered placement in the extension class based on their performance in the ACER assessment on Transition Day, NAPLAN performance in Year 5 and evidence provided by their primary school. Extension class placement for courses in Years 8-10 is determined students’ performance in formal and informal assessment throughout the year. Extension pathways in Years 11 and 12 are informed by student performance in Years 10 and 11 and guided by professional advice from the school executive.

Intellectual

Creative

Social/Emotional

Physical

Examples of HPGE Offerings at our School

In our Classrooms

Safe learning environments that encourage confidence, risk-taking, and perseverance
High Expectations - High Potential, High Challenge and High Support
Tasks that promote choice, authenticity, problem solving and critical and creative thinking including cross-curricular projects.
Differentiated tasks that adjust pace, complexity and higher-order thinking.
Evidenced informed, explicit teaching strategies across all subjects.
Formative assessment to monitor growth and adapt learning.
Opportunities for abstraction, inquiry, and curriculum depth.
Flexible grouping for collaborative ideation and presentation.
Differentiated movement tasks and skill refinement in PDHPE.
Targeted learning goals for coordination, agility, and control.
Opportunities to take on lead roles in physical demonstrations or team strategy.
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.

Across our School

HPGE talent identification, assessment and development.
Academic Extensive classes and pathways
Artistic talent is recognised and developed through CAPA Showcase night. Students display talent in Dance, Drama and Music, with support from a student tech crew managing sound, lighting, and production.
Our Band program includes Junior and Senior concert bands, giving students a supportive space to develop their musical talents. Professional tutors join rehearsals to offer expert, tailored guidance. Student-led ensembles further foster creativity, leadership, and collaboration, embodying HPGE’s dedication to nurturing young musicians’ skills and passion.

We offer a comprehensive sports program that encourages participation, skill development, and competition across a variety of sports. Supported by quality facilities, including sports fields, courts, and training equipment, students have the resources to excel in physical education and school sports events. This includes gala days, combined high schools knockout events, and selections for zone, regional, and state carnivals.
Our Senior and Junior Dance and Drama groups provide HPGE students with dynamic opportunities to explore creativity, technique, and performance skills. Guided by experienced instructors, students engage in diverse styles and collaborative choreography, building confidence and teamwork. These groups celebrate artistic expression and showcase the passion and talent of our young dancers and actors within the HPGE community.
Our Volunteering Program offers students meaningful opportunities to contribute to school and community initiatives while developing leadership, teamwork, and communication skills. Through a variety of projects, events and connections such as HammondCare and Youngster.co, students learn the value of service and build connections that enhance their personal growth and sense of responsibility. The program reflects HPGE’s commitment to fostering engaged, compassionate, and proactive young leaders.
Our Wellbeing Programs support students’ mental, emotional, and social health while fostering a strong sense of belonging. Through workshops, counselling, and peer support initiatives, we promote resilience, balance, and a positive, inclusive school culture. These programs empower students to thrive academically and personally, reflecting HPGE’s commitment to holistic development and community connection.
Sylvania High School offers strong support for students’ transitions to further education and careers. Through robust partnerships with TAFE, universities, and industry, we provide valuable opportunities for skill development, mentoring, and real-world experience. These pathways empower students to confidently navigate their future academic and professional journeys, aligning with their talents and aspirations.

Across the State

The Schools Spectacular - an iconic performing arts event that celebrates the talents, diversity and creativity of students from across NSW public schools.
Participation in The Art's Units Junior and Senior Dance Ensembles - promotes character exploration, storytelling and expressive freedom for our Stage 4 and 5 high potential and gifted Dance students.
Participation in State Music Ensembles (2025 Symphony Orchestra) - hones our students’ musical skills, discipline and ensemble awareness.
Participation in State Drama Ensemble - promotes character exploration, storytelling and expressive freedom for our Stage 5 high potential and gifted Drama students.
The Representative School Sport Pathway and PSSA and CHSSA events enable our students to trial and compete in sports at regional, state and national levels, fostering discipline, commitment and collaboration.
The Premier’s Debating Challenge - helps our students to build logical arguments and confidence in public speaking.

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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.