High potential and gifted education

At Bangor Public School, our High Potential and Gifted Education (HPGE) classrooms are dynamic learning environments where curiosity, challenge and creativity thrive. Students engage in rich, differentiated learning experiences designed to extend their thinking, deepen understanding and inspire a love of learning.

Teachers use formative assessment to closely monitor student growth and adapt learning experiences to meet individual needs. This ongoing assessment ensures students are consistently challenged and supported, allowing them to progress at an appropriate pace. Learning is guided through the explicit teaching of critical thinking and problem-solving strategies, helping students analyse information, make connections, evaluate ideas and tackle complex tasks with confidence. Open-ended tasks, inquiry units and project-based learning offer opportunities for students to explore their interests and develop higher-order thinking skills.

Our classrooms also provide opportunities for leadership, allowing students to take on roles that promote responsibility, collaboration and initiative. Whether leading group projects, mentoring peers or contributing to class decision-making, students develop strong communication, teamwork and organisational skills.

Across all learning experiences, we foster a supportive, inclusive environment where students feel empowered to take risks, explore new ideas and strive for their personal best.

Across the school, Bangor Public School provides a wide range of opportunities to extend, enrich and challenge our high potential and gifted learners beyond the classroom. These programs are designed to cater to different areas of talent, interest and growth, ensuring students are supported across the HPGE domains.

Students can participate in specialised HPGE groups that focus on the intellectual, creative, social-emotional and physical domains. These groups provide targeted learning experiences that strengthen advanced skills, nurture curiosity and encourage students to pursue their passions.

A variety of enrichment programs are offered throughout the year, including Debating, Minecraft Club, Chess Club, creative writing competitions, and a range of sport competitions. These activities give students opportunities to problem-solve, collaborate, think creatively and challenge themselves in new ways.

Students also take part in meaningful leadership and wellbeing initiatives. Opportunities include peer mentoring, student leadership roles through the SRC, and participation in the LOFT (Leaders of the Future Team) program, which builds confidence, communication and teamwork. Our whole-school wellbeing programs further support students' social and emotional development.

All students are encouraged to participate in whole-school inclusion and wellbeing initiatives, helping them develop a strong sense of belonging, responsibility and connection to their community. Through these programs, Bangor Public School ensures every student has the chance to grow, contribute and excel at a school-wide level.

Bangor Public School proudly participates in a range of NSW-wide programs that extend our high potential and gifted learners beyond the local community. These opportunities allow students to showcase their abilities, collaborate with peers from across the state and develop advanced skills in diverse domains.

The Premier's Debating Challenge helps students build clear, logical arguments and grow in confidence as public speakers. Through structured debate, students deepen their critical thinking, learn to respond respectfully to opposing viewpoints and develop strong persuasive communication skills.

Our STEM Enrichment Partnerships with ANSTO provide powerful opportunities for students to explore real-world scientific challenges. Working alongside experts, students strengthen their innovation, problem-solving and collaboration skills while deepening their intellectual curiosity.

The Sutherland Shire Music Festival is an iconic performing arts event that celebrates the talents, diversity and creativity of students across the Shire. By performing as part of this festival, students develop musicality, teamwork and performance confidence.

The Premier's Sporting Challenge (PSC) promotes whole-school participation in physical activity while offering leadership pathways and professional learning for staff and students. Through the Representative School Sport Pathway, including PSSA and CHSSA events, students can trial and compete at regional, state and national levels, fostering discipline, commitment and collaboration.

For students with a passion for dance, participation in state-wide dance ensembles offers the chance to refine technical skills, develop stage presence and enhance physical expressiveness through high-quality training and performance opportunities.

Through these NSW-wide initiatives, Bangor Public School ensures our high potential and gifted learners are supported, extended and inspired on a broader stage.