High potential and gifted education

At Loftus Public School, we are committed to the NSW Department of Education’s High Potential and Gifted Education (HPGE) Policy, which ensures that students with high potential across all areas of ability are identified, supported and challenged to thrive. The policy recognises that students may demonstrate high potential — and the capacity for gifted performance - in one or more of four domains: intellectual, creative, social emotional and physical.

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 programs in the arts, sport, leadership and more.

Opening doors to wider experiences

Our students can participate in a wide range of state-wide programs 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.

Learn more about HPGE at education.nsw

Our high potential and gifted education opportunities

Our students can take part in HPGE opportunities in the classroom, in our school, and across NSW.

In our classroom

At Loftus Public School, High Potential and Gifted Education (HPGE) is an integral part of everyday learning. We hold high expectations for all students and actively encourage student voice, empowering learners to take ownership of their education. Our classrooms are dynamic spaces where critical thinking, creativity, and collaboration flourish.

Teachers identify and respond to each student’s unique learning needs through evidence-informed practices and differentiated instruction. We provide enriched and extension tasks across all Key Learning Areas to challenge and engage students at their level of readiness.

Our literacy and numeracy enrichment pods offer targeted opportunities for deepening skills and extending knowledge. Technology and digital literacy are also key focuses, supported by innovative activities and our 1:1 device program for Stage 2 and Stage 3. This enables students to develop strong digital capabilities that prepare them for future learning.

In addition, our creative and practical arts programs inspire innovation, problem-solving, and self-expression. Together, these learning experiences nurture the whole child and promote a growth mindset, ensuring every student is supported to reach their full potential.

Across our school

Our school community thrives on connection, leadership, and diverse opportunities that extend learning beyond the classroom. We foster positive relationships through our Stage 3 and Kindergarten/Year 1 buddy program, where older and younger students support and learn from each other.

We encourage student leadership at many levels, offering roles such as Student Representative Council (SRC) members, School Captains and Prefects, Sports Captains, Library Monitors, and Environmental Team Leaders. These positions empower students to contribute actively to school life and develop important life skills.

A wide range of extra-curricular programs enrich student experiences, including dance, choir, and band, allowing creative talents to shine. Our Science, Environment, Coding, and Chess Clubs provide engaging ways for students to explore interests, develop skills and deepen their knowledge.

Teamwork and sport skills are developed through our participation in PSSA zone carnivals and competitions throughout Terms 1 to 4. Students choose to engage in a competitive trial process for each sport and through participation in school carnivals.

Together, these programs create a vibrant and inclusive school environment where every student can find their passion and thrive.

Across NSW

Our students actively engage in a variety of statewide programs designed to extend and enrich their potential beyond the classroom. These opportunities allow them to challenge themselves, develop new skills, and represent our school with pride across New South Wales. Programs our students participate in include: