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?
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.
Rich opportunities and activities
Students can take part in opportunities to develop their talent in the arts, sport, leadership and more.
Opening doors to wider experiences
Our students can participate in a wide range of state-wide opportunities that aim to extend and enrich student potential.
What is high potential and gifted education?
High potential and gifted education (HPGE) is how our school supports students with advanced learning needs.
We do this through:
- effective teaching strategies like enrichment, extension and acceleration
- tailored support during lessons that stretch, challenge and inspire
- access to a wide range of opportunities both within and beyond our school.
Our high potential and gifted education opportunities
Our students engage with HPGE education in the classroom, in our school, and across NSW.
We are deeply committed to identifying, recognising, and nurturing high-potential and gifted students, ensuring that every learner has the opportunity to excel and thrive within our school community.
Our dedicated teachers consistently implement differentiated instruction within their planning and teaching practices, skillfully adjusting the pace, tasks, and complexity to meet the diverse needs of all students.
In our multistage classrooms, we employ flexible groupings that promote meaningful collaboration and a supportive learning environment. These groupings, combined with targeted individual learning goals and timely, constructive feedback, enable us to effectively address each student’s unique learning profile and maximise their potential.
Our staff regularly engage in professional development to ensure the most current research-based practices are being used.
Students are able to engage in opportunities including:
- Eisteddfod
- Student leadership opportunities
- Participation in whole-school inclusion and wellbeing initiatives
- Public speaking
- STEM and coding activities
- Visual arts
- Wellbeing is made visible through our values - Kindness, Respect, Tolerance and Trust - and our school award system
- Band and Music ensembles
- Learn to swim
- PSSA Sport
- External sport coaching through Sporting Schools
- Cultural activities such as live theatre productions
- Excursions and incursions
- Musica Viva
Engagement in academic, cultural, and sporting opportunities alongside other small schools provides our students with valuable experiences that enhance their social skills, self-discipline, and capacity to collaborate effectively within larger peer groups.
Participation in PSSA events offers our students the chance to trial and compete in sports at regional, state, and national levels. These experiences promote discipline, commitment, teamwork, and resilience, supporting their personal growth and cultivating a strong sense of sportsmanship.
Public Speaking
Students at Ilford Public School are provided with valuable opportunities to build their public speaking skills and gain confidence in addressing large audiences.
Each year, they actively participate in both the Mudgee Small Schools Public Speaking Competition and the Wollemi Community of Practice Public Speaking Competition. These distinguished events encourage students to develop not only confidence but also critical thinking and effective communication skills.
The competitions challenge participants to craft and deliver compelling, well-structured speeches that showcase their creativity, intellect, and ability to engage an audience.
Music Program
Music plays a vital role in the life of Ilford Public School, enriching both our extra-curricular offerings and the classroom curriculum, fully aligned with NSW syllabus outcomes.
Students in Years 3-6 benefit from weekly music lessons delivered by a qualified external music teacher. They begin their musical journey with the ukulele, progressing to guitar, and eventually have the opportunity to choose from keyboard, drums, electric guitar, and bass guitar.
These lessons not only build instrumental skills but also culminate in memorable performances at our annual Presentation Assembly, where students proudly showcase their chosen pieces through singing and instrumentals.
In addition to school performances, students are encouraged to take part in the Mudgee Small Schools Eisteddfod, providing further opportunities to develop their confidence and stage presence.
Beyond instrumental proficiency, our music program fosters important life skills such as discipline through regular practice, teamwork through ensemble and band participation, as well as enhanced problem-solving and critical thinking abilities. These transferable skills support success across other key learning areas in the classroom, contributing to the holistic development of our students.
Sporting Schools
Through the Australian Sports Commission, the Sporting Schools program delivers free, high-quality sports programs, resources, and expert support designed to inspire students to try new sports and cultivate lifelong healthy habits.
At Ilford Public School, our students have enjoyed coaching sessions in a variety of sports, including tennis, hockey, swimming, touch football, golf, and athletics, among others. This diverse range of opportunities enables students to discover new interests and develop essential skills.
The Sporting Schools program offers numerous benefits to our students, including:
- Enhanced physical activity that contributes to improved physical health and mental well-being.
- Exposure to a wide variety of sports and activities, encouraging exploration and enthusiasm for active lifestyles.
- Growth in teamwork, personal goal-setting, and essential life skills, fostering resilience and confidence.
- Connections with local clubs and community sporting opportunities, supporting ongoing participation beyond the school environment.
Through these programs, we are committed to nurturing a culture of health, fitness, and community engagement that supports our students' overall development.
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.
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