High potential and gifted education

At Wilcannia Central School, we recognise that high potential and gifted students are found in all communities and across all backgrounds. Some students learn faster or show advanced ability in one or more areas, including academic learning, creativity, leadership, social-emotional development and physical activity.

We are committed to identifying and nurturing student strengths early and providing inclusive, culturally responsive learning experiences that allow every student to grow, thrive and achieve their personal best.

Why choose us for your high potential or gifted child?

Recognising potential and developing talent

Our teachers work collaboratively to identify student strengths and potential over time. Identification is ongoing and based on classroom evidence, student interests, assessment data and family and community input.

Tailored lessons

Every student learns differently. Teachers use explicit teaching, differentiation and extension to provide appropriate challenge, ensuring learning is engaging, meaningful and achievable.

Rich opportunities and activities

Students are provided with opportunities to extend their learning through a range of academic, sporting, creative and leadership experiences, both within the school and through external partnerships.

Opening doors to wider experiences

Where appropriate, students are supported to access broader opportunities across NSW, helping them build confidence, aspiration and a sense of belonging beyond the classroom.

What is high potential and gifted education?

High Potential and Gifted Education (HPGE) refers to the ways our school supports students who demonstrate advanced learning needs or potential in one or more domains.

At Wilcannia Central School, HPGE support includes:

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

  • Students are supported through:

    • Differentiated tasks that adjust pace, complexity and depth of thinking
    • Formative assessment to monitor progress and guide teaching
    • Explicit teaching of learning intentions, success criteria, critical thinking and problem-solving skills
    • Safe and supportive learning environments that encourage confidence, perseverance and positive risk-taking
Across our school

  • HPGE students may engage in:

    • Sporting pathways and representative opportunities.
    • Creative and performance groups.
    • Leadership and mentoring opportunities.
    • Whole-school events and enrichment activities.
Across NSW
  • Participation in music ensembles (e.g. State Wind Orchestra, State Choirs) hones our students’ musical skills, discipline and ensemble awareness.
  • 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.
Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander students and HPGE

Wilcannia Central School is committed to recognising and nurturing the strengths of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander students within HPGE.

This includes:

  • Embedding Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Pedagogy across teaching and learning programs.
  • Recognising cultural knowledge, leadership and community contribution as indicators of high potential.
  • Working in partnership with families, Elders, the AECG and community groups.
  • Celebrating and communicating Aboriginal student achievements to families and the wider community.
Partnerships and transitions

Strong partnerships with families and community inform the development of HPGE opportunities at Wilcannia Central School.

We support students at key transition points, including:

  • Preschool to Kindergarten
  • Year 6 to Year 7
  • Year 10 to Year 11
  • Re-engagement following extended absence

Transition processes focus on maintaining student strengths, wellbeing and engagement with learning.

Working in partnership with families and community
Families are encouraged to engage with the school to share insights into their child’s strengths, interests and aspirations. Ongoing communication and collaboration ensure that students are supported to achieve their potential.
The Premier’s Sporting Challenge
School Choir

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.

Contact us

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Student opportunities and activities

Discover the opportunities our students have at our school.

Learning

Find out about our approach to learning and supporting students to progress