High potential and gifted education

In our classroom

At Meadowbank Public School, our commitment to fostering high potential and gifted students is aligned with the NSW Department of Education’s High Potential and Gifted Education (HPGE) policy. Our approach is informed by Gagné’s Differentiated Model of Giftedness and Talent (DMGT), which distinguishes between natural abilities (giftedness) and developed skills and performance (talent). We recognise the critical influence of environmental and personal factors - including opportunity, motivation, persistence, and support - in transforming potential into achievement.

Our approach to talent development

Supporting high potential and gifted students is a whole-school responsibility. At Meadowbank Public School, we endeavour to create inclusive learning environments where all students are provided equitable opportunities to thrive. Our talent development framework emphasises early identification, ongoing assessment, and responsive teaching practices.

Differentiation: Core to quality teaching

Consistent with the Department’s HPGE policy, differentiation is the first and essential means to support students demonstrating high potential. All teachers at Meadowbank Public School plan, implement, and evaluate evidence-based adjustments in teaching and learning programs to cater for diverse strengths, interests, and learning needs.

Our differentiation strategies aim to:

• Provide appropriately challenging curriculum and learning experiences that promote critical thinking, creativity, and problem-solving.
• Extend and enrich learning through depth, breadth, and complexity aligned with students’ readiness and interests.
• Foster a growth mindset and resilience by encouraging persistence and motivation.
• Use data-driven assessment and student feedback to tailor learning and support individual progress.

Differentiation is documented transparently in programming and planning, supported by professional learning opportunities for all teachers.

Alignment with NSW Department of Education HPGE Policy

Meadowbank Public School implements the Department’s HPGE policy expectations by:

• Ensuring identification of high potential and gifted students is dynamic and multi-faceted, incorporating assessments, teacher observations, student interests, and cultural and linguistic diversity.
• Engaging the Learning and Support Team (LST), HPGE team, and executive staff in monitoring student progress and coordinating targeted interventions.
• Providing access to quality enrichment and extension programs beyond differentiation where required.
• Maintaining comprehensive records through term-by-term tracking, transition planning, and annual handovers to ensure continuity of support.
• Involving families and carers as active partners in identifying and nurturing student potential, in line with the Department’s commitment to inclusive and culturally responsive practices.

Continuous improvement and professional learning

Our staff participate in ongoing professional learning to deepen understanding of high potential and gifted education methodologies, inclusive pedagogies, and culturally responsive practices, in alignment with Department initiatives. This commitment ensures Meadowbank Public School remains responsive to emerging research and best practice in talent development.

Across our school

Meadowbank Public School offers a diverse range of enrichment and co-curricular programs designed to extend and challenge students who demonstrate high potential or talent in specific areas.

These programs foster the development of student capabilities across intellectual, creative, social-emotional, and physical domains by providing opportunities to build skills beyond the standard curriculum.

Our enrichment groups and HPGE withdrawal programs may include:

• Art Club
• Chess Club
• Choir
• Cooking Club
• Debating
• Dance Group
• Earth Watch Club
• Gardening Club
• Maths Explorer
• Maths Olympiad
• Orchestra
• PSSA Teams
• Public Speaking
• Recorder Group
• Robotics Club
• Student Leadership Programs

Many of these activities are facilitated by specialist or expert teachers who bring targeted knowledge and experience, enriching the learning environment and ensuring students are supported to reach their full potential.

These programs operate in alignment with teacher availability and school resourcing, providing flexible opportunities for student engagement and growth.

Across NSW

At Meadowbank Public School, students participate in a variety of prestigious programs that nurture their talents and leadership skills.

Through the Multicultural Public Speaking Competition and the Australian National Virtual Debating Competition, students build logical arguments and gain confidence in public speaking.

Our school orchestra refine their musical skills, discipline, and ensemble awareness performing at renowned venues including the Sydney Opera House during the Festival of Instrumental Music and our choir and dance groups take part in the Ryde School Performing Arts Festival. Beyond these events, students actively contribute to the community by performing at local pre-schools and nursing homes.

In the realm of sport, the Premier’s Sporting Challenge promotes whole-school participation in physical activity, while offering leadership pathways and professional learning opportunities. Students also engage in PSSA events, where they trial and compete zone, regionally, statewide, developing discipline, commitment, and teamwork.

Academic excellence is actively fostered through participation in a variety of prestigious competitions such as the Maths Olympiad and Maths Explorer, as well as local schools’ chess tournaments. These opportunities enable students to sharpen their strategic thinking, enhance problem-solving skills, and cultivate perseverance in a stimulating and supportive environment.

The NSW Premier’s Spelling Bee further encourages students to expand their vocabulary and refine their attention to detail, all within a motivating and competitive framework that celebrates linguistic precision and confidence.

Our dedicated Art group proudly participates each year in the SWAP Competition, showcasing their creativity and artistic talents. Additionally, our students’ artworks are regularly exhibited in esteemed venues, including the Fairfield Art Gallery and the See Street Art Gallery, offering them invaluable exposure and recognition within the broader artistic community.

Through this comprehensive approach, Meadowbank Public School nurtures well-rounded students who are confident, capable, and engaged citizens prepared to thrive in a diverse and dynamic world.