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?

At Hawkesbury High School, we are committed to identifying, nurturing, and extending the talents of all students who demonstrate high potential and giftedness across the creative, intellectual, physical, and social-emotional domains. Our High Potential and Gifted Education (HPGE) programs and activities provide meaningful opportunities for students to engage in challenging, authentic, and enriching learning experiences both within and beyond the classroom.

Through a diverse range of initiatives, our students are encouraged to explore their passions, deepen their skills, and connect with others who share their interests. From university partnerships, extension classes, and writing competitions, to performance opportunities, leadership development, and representative sport, each program aims to cultivate excellence and foster personal growth.

Within the classroom, students in the C and S classes (7C, 8C, 9S and 10S) at Hawkesbury High School are offered a differentiated curriculum that is designed to extend and challenge motivated, independent learners. This class incorporates Design Thinking, enrichment, and extension opportunities to foster creativity, critical thinking, and innovation. As High Potential and Gifted Education (HPGE) extension classes, they are grounded in the development of students’ 6C skills – communication, collaboration, creativity, critical thinking, citizenship, and character. These future-focused skills empower students to become leaders of their own learning, equipped to think deeply, act responsibly, and contribute meaningfully to their world.

Universal HPGE Programs and initiatives are made available to students across all grades 7-12. Whether performing on stage, conducting scientific fieldwork, leading peers through service, or engaging in high-level creative and academic pursuits, our students are supported to achieve their personal best and contribute positively to our school and community. HPGE at Hawkesbury High School is not just about recognising talent — it’s about growing it, empowering students to think critically, act creatively, and lead with confidence.

Creative - Artistry, imagination, expression, invention

· School and Community Art Competitions

· Murals – Whole school art projects

· Pulse Alive

· Schools Spectacular

· Hawkesbury Performing Arts Festival

· Hawkesbury High School Performing Arts Showcase

· Synergy Dance Festival

· Music Development (i.e. Private lessons, Music Camps, Greater Western Sydney programs)

Extra-curricular Ensembles (i.e. Vocal, Dance, Music

Intellectual - Inquiry, problem-solving, processing

· HSC Study Days and Symposiums

· Mathematics and Science Competitions

· University programs (i.e. Biology and Chemistry)

· Work experience

· Special-interest Extension Projects

· Bird Watch Surveys

· Writing Opportunities (I.e. Young Writers Competition, Write a Book in a Day, What Matters contest)

· Wetland Challenge/Landcare

Lego Robotics Challenge

· Student Representative Council

· Senior Leadership Team

· Pasifika Pathways

· Positive Paws

· Work experience

· University Programs

· Mentoring Partnerships with Primary Schools and Orientation Events (i.e. Ingenium Project, Podcast)

Positive Paws (Guide Dogs NSW)

Physical - Sport, movement, coordination

· Pasifika Representative Football

· Rugby Program (Male and Female)

· Dance Sport

· Interschool Equestrian Competitions

· Rural Fire Service Training

· Agricultural Show Team

· Wetland Challenge / Landcare

Interschool Sport Competitions and Gala Days

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.