High Potential and Gifted Education (HPGE) at Merewether Public School
At Merewether Public School, we believe every child has the capacity for growth, creativity, and excellence. Our role as educators is to nurture that potential so it can flourish across all areas of learning and development. We recognise that high potential exists in many forms, and we are committed to providing the stretch, support and opportunities that help every student reach their personal best.
We are proud to offer a school environment that celebrates diversity, fosters belonging and promotes excellence for all. Through high expectations and a strong culture of respect, responsibility and quality, students are encouraged to challenge themselves, think deeply, and develop confidence as capable, curious learners.
Identifying HPGE Students
We are committed to identifying and nurturing high potential in the four recognised domains of potential:
Intellectual
Creative
Physical
Social-Emotional
Identification is a collaborative and ongoing process that draws on multiple sources of evidence, including:
Classroom observations and teacher professional judgement
Student work samples and learning progress data
Check-in assessments, ICAS and other standardised measures
Parent/carer nominations and student self-nominations
School-based surveys, wellbeing data and transition information
Students demonstrating advanced or exceptional ability are supported through personalised planning and enrichment opportunities that match their strengths, interests and learning needs.
How We Cater for HPGE Learners
High potential and gifted education at Merewether Public School is embedded across the whole school. Our teachers use evidence-based strategies and differentiation to ensure every student is known, valued and challenged in meaningful ways.
Curriculum Differentiation
We extend and engage our learners through:
Compacting and accelerating content for advanced learners
Inquiry-based and open-ended learning tasks
Project-based ahd high interest based enrichment across key learning areas
Tiered success criteria and rubrics that allow for stretch and depth
Opportunities for students to lead, problem-solve and create
Personalised Planning
Identified HPGE students have a Personalised Learning and Support Plan (PLSP) that highlights their strengths, goals and enrichment opportunities. These plans are co-designed with students, teachers and families and reviewed regularly to ensure ongoing challenge and support.
Students are encouraged to reflect on their goals and achievements, with teacher mentoring helping them to develop independence, self-regulation and pride in their progress.
Enrichment and Opportunity
Our HPGE learners are offered a rich variety of opportunities across all domains of potential, such as:
Creative and performing arts programs, including FISAF Aerobics, Choir, Dance, Cooking and Drama
Academic competitions such as ICAS, Debating, Public Speaking, Maths Groups, Chess, and Coding Challenges
Leadership programs including Peer Support, Student Representative Council and HPGE groups
Physical development through PSSA sport, cross-school gala days and skill-based clinics
Community and wellbeing initiatives that nurture empathy, collaboration and social responsibility
Whether a student’s strength lies in innovation, leadership, artistic expression or athleticism, we provide pathways that challenge and celebrate their talents.
Please click HERE to view a selection of the HPGE oppportunities offered at Merewether Public School
Monitoring HPGE
Progress for HPGE students is continually monitored through class assessments, observation, data analysis and ongoing communication with families. Student voice plays an important role in this process, ensuring learners take ownership of their goals and growth.
Each year, HPGE data is reviewed by the school leadership team to refine programs, identify new talent, and ensure our provision remains equitable, inclusive and evidence-based.
At Merewether Public School, we are committed to unlocking every child’s potential. Through purposeful teaching, high expectations and supportive partnerships with families, we aim to turn potential into achievement — and achievement into lifelong learning and success.