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

At Rutherford Public School, we are committed to recognising and nurturing high potential and gifted students, ensuring every learner has the opportunity to thrive. Students engage in HPGE opportunities in our classrooms, across our school, and through programs offered across NSW.

In our classroom

Our teachers identify students’ strengths and learning needs, using evidence-informed practices to provide challenge, enrichment and extension opportunities within everyday learning.
Differentiated programs, flexible grouping and enrichment projects allow students to explore higher-order thinking, creativity and problem-solving.
Supportive classroom environments promote a sense of belonging and encourage risk-taking, curiosity and collaboration. Teachers regularly engage in professional learning to strengthen their understanding of how to meet the diverse needs of all learners, including high potential and gifted students.

Across our school

We recognise that every student is individual and offer a wide range of programs that extend learning beyond the classroom.
Students have opportunities to participate in:

School musicals, dance troupes and creative arts showcases
Choirs and violin lessons
Premier’s Spelling Bee and school public speaking events
Junior AECG leadership initiatives
Sporting programs, training squads and house competitions

Through these experiences, students are encouraged to take on leadership roles, collaborate with peers and celebrate their talents across academic, creative, leadership and physical domains.

Across NSW

Our students proudly represent Rutherford Public School and the Hunter region through participation in local, regional and state initiatives, including:

Premier’s Debating Challenge
Festival of Choral Music
Festival of Instrumental Music
Hunter Dance Festival
PSSA sporting opportunities

We value these experiences as opportunities for students to strive together, demonstrate excellence, and connect with like-minded peers across the state.