High potential and gifted education (HPGE)

At Westlawn Public School we are committed to recognising and nurturing high potential and gifted students, ensuring every student can thrive at our school.

1. Differentiated Curriculum: Adjusting the content, process, products, and learning environment to meet the advanced learning needs of gifted students.
2. Enrichment Activities: Providing more complex tasks, problem-solving activities, creative projects, and opportunities for independent research.
3. Acceleration: Allowing students to move through the curriculum at a faster pace or engage with higher-year content when appropriate.
4. Small Group or Individual Support: Specialist teachers or gifted education experts may provide additional support or pull-out sessions.
5. Collaborative Learning: Opportunities for gifted students to work with peers who have similar abilities through group tasks or enrichment clusters.
6. Mentoring and Extension Programs: Engaging students with mentors or specialised programs both within and outside school.

At Westlawn Public School, we provide a comprehensive range of opportunities to support and extend the abilities of our high potential and gifted students. Students are encouraged to participate in enriching activities such as Debating and Coding Clubs, which foster critical thinking and creativity. Every even year, students have the opportunity to showcase their talents through our biennial School Performances.

Our music ensembles, comprising Choir, Band, Guitar Group, and Dance Group, rehearse regularly and perform at distinguished events, including Compass, the Eisteddfod, and community occasions such as Jacaranda Schools Day. These experiences enable students to refine their musical and performance skills while engaging meaningfully with the wider community.

Leadership development is promoted through participation in the Student Representative Council (SRC), where students acquire valuable skills and contribute positively to the school environment. Year 6 leaders also run a Peer Support program, where students from K-6 are placed into groups and participate in a variety of activities. The program is designed to develop friendships between younger and older students, promote responsibility, and cultivate leadership skills. Through this program, students learn about being the best they can be as well as understanding and cooperating with their peers. We also recognise the importance of wellbeing, offering programs that support social-emotional growth to foster resilience and confidence.

Furthermore, our school offers extensive PSSA sporting opportunities, including training and coaching at both individual and team levels. Differentiated Physical Education programs are provided to cater to the diverse needs of our students.

Through involvement in these varied activities, our students develop confidence, enhance their creativity, and cultivate a lifelong passion for learning in their areas of strength.

At Westlawn Public School, our students are actively involved in a wide range of statewide programs designed to extend and enrich their potential. Through these opportunities, they develop critical thinking, creativity, and leadership skills while connecting with like-minded peers across New South Wales.

Students participate in prestigious events such as the Premier’s Spelling Bee, Premier’s Multicultural Public Speaking Competition, and the Premier’s Debating Challenge. These programs provide valuable experiences that challenge and inspire our high potential and gifted learners.

In addition, the NSW Department of Education offers strong support for high potential and gifted education (HPGE) across the state. Our school helps students access these programs and supports them throughout the entry process to ensure every student can take full advantage of the opportunities available.