High potential and gifted education

Some students learn faster and more easily than others. These students may shine in creativity, thinking, leadership or sport.

At our school, we recognise and nurture these strengths early. We support advanced learners with great lessons and activities to help them grow and thrive.

Why choose us for your high potential or gifted child?

Woolgoolga High School identifies and supports High Potential and Gifted students across all years and all domains of High Potential and Gifted Education. This includes:

Year 7 Excel (academically selective) class.
Academically selective classes across all year groups.
Electives and subject specialisation in Stages 5 and 6.
After school and holiday tutorials for HSC students.
Extra-curricular opportunities across Creative and Performing Arts, sport, public speaking and student leadership.
Woolgoolga High School/Wiigulga Strong Sports Academy.
Academic Achievement Centre.

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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.

In our classroom

At Woolgoolga High School, HPGE lives in everyday practice. We are committed to recognising and nurturing high potential and gifted students, ensuring every student has the opportunity to thrive at our school.

Year 7 Excel class
Our supportive classroom environments promote a sense of belonging and encourage risk-taking, creativity and collaboration.
Differentiated tasks that adjust pace, complexity and higher-order thinking.
Explicit teaching of critical thinking and problem-solving strategies.
Opportunities for leadership within the classroom.
Structured peer collaboration and reflection.

Across our school

Our school recognises that every student is individual, and we provide flexible and diverse opportunities for students to explore and grow their strengths outside the classroom.

Academic Achievement Centre
STEM activities and excursions
Academic competitions
Spelling bee
Literacy workshops
School musicals
Music ensembles
Visual arts and dance showcases
Creative writing groups
Sport squads
House competitions
Peer mentoring
Student leadership (SRC)
Wellbeing programs
Participation in whole-school inclusion and wellbeing initiatives.

Statewide

Our students can participate in a wide range of state-wide programs that aim to extend and enrich student potential.

Woolgoolga High School continues to prioritise sporting participation in a multitude of competitions including gala days, combined high schools knock out competitions and selection through to zone, regional and state carnivals.
The Science and Engineering Challenge is a national STEM outreach program that encourages students to think creatively and collaboratively with their peers
Schools Spectacular is an iconic performing arts event that celebrates the talents, diversity and creativity of students from across NSW public schools.
Woolgoolga High School students participate in ICAS English, Mathematics and Science competitions.
The Premier’s Sporting Challenge promotes whole-school participation in physical activity with leadership pathways and collaborative learning. Students reflect and share their learning, so experiences build knowledge and character, contributing to the identity of themselves and their school.