High potential and gifted education

In our classroom

At Ashbury Public School, we recognise that high potential takes many forms across all learners. Our approach to High Potential and Gifted Education is embedded in everyday teaching and learning, supported by formative assessment, evidence-informed practices, and purposeful differentiation that nurtures each student’s unique strengths, interests and needs.

We are proud to offer a broad range of classroom strategies, enrichment opportunities, and whole-school programs that empower students to thrive academically, creatively, socially and physically. At Ashbury Public School, we recognise that high potential can present in many forms across all learners. Our approach to High Potential and Gifted Education is embedded in everyday teaching and learning, supported by formative assessment, evidence-based practices and thoughtful differentiation that caters to each student’s unique strengths, interests and needs.

Evidence-informed practices that support all learners

Formative Assessment to Tailor Teaching

Teachers use diagnostic assessments, observational notes and student self-reflection tools to identify strengths, track growth and plan next steps. This ensures instruction is responsive and appropriately challenging.

Differentiated Learning and Flexible Grouping

Learning tasks are designed with varied levels of complexity and flexible grouping structures. This allows students to work with like-minded peers, engage deeply in tasks that match their readiness, and develop collaboration and leadership skills.

High Expectations in Every Classroom

Teachers set explicit, high expectations for all students through learning goals that encourage creativity, analytical thinking and problem-solving. Students engage in goal-setting and reflection to build resilience and a strong growth mindset.

Student Agency, Leadership and Voice

Students are given opportunities to lead, reflect, collaborate, and influence their learning environment — strengthening motivation, self-awareness and personal responsibility.

Teacher Professional Learning

Our staff engage in ongoing professional learning and collaborative planning to strengthen their understanding of HPGE and refine evidence-based strategies that support high potential learners.

Across our school

At Ashbury Public School, High Potential and Gifted Education is an important part of our core work. We are committed to recognising and nurturing the unique talents of every learner by offering flexible, diverse and enriching opportunities that promote growth across academic, creative, social and physical domains.

Below are some of the many opportunities we provide to support and extend the talent development of students at Ashbury Public School:

• Debating
• Public speaking
• Coding club
• Choirs
• Chess
• Overnight study trips
• Academic competitions
• Creative arts performances
• Music ensembles
• Visual arts and dance showcases
• Creative writing group
• Interschool sport competitions
• Representative sport pathways
• Buddy program
• Peer mentoring
• Student leadership
• Wellbeing programs
• Participation in whole-school inclusion and wellbeing initiatives
• Excursions and incursions aligned to the curriculum

Across NSW

We actively engage in a wide range of statewide competitions and enrichment activities, giving Ashbury students meaningful opportunities to challenge themselves, extend their learning and strive for personal excellence. Through this collaborative and enriching approach, we ensure every student’s unique talents are recognised, developed and celebrated.

Below are some of the opportunities available to support the talent development of students at Ashbury Public School:

• The Premier’s Spelling Bee promotes our students’ vocabulary development.
• The Premier’s Debating Challenge helps our students to build logical arguments and confidence in public speaking.
• The Schools Spectacular is an iconic performing arts event that celebrates the talents, diversity and creativity of students from across NSW public schools.
• Participation in music ensembles hones our students’ musical skills, discipline and teamwork.
• The Premier’s Sporting Challenge (PSC) promotes whole-school participation in physical activity with leadership pathways and professional learning.
• The Representative School Sport Pathway and PSSA events enable our students to trial and compete in sports at regional, state and national levels, fostering discipline, commitment and collaboration.
• Our buddy program connects our younger students with older peers and all students with trusted adults to build confidence, motivation, and interpersonal skills.