High potential and gifted education (HPGE)

In our classroom

At Cherrybrook Public School, High Potential and Gifted Education (HPGE) is embedded in our everyday practice. We inspire our students to think critically, create innovatively, lead confidently, and grow continuously. Recognising that many of our students demonstrate high potential, we are committed to nurturing and developing their strengths into meaningful achievements.

Our teachers carefully identify individual learning needs within the classroom and employ evidence-based teaching strategies to both challenge and extend students. Through high-quality teaching and learning programs, we deliver personalised, differentiated instruction that includes open-ended activities, enrichment opportunities, and extension classes specifically designed for Year 5 and 6 students. Differentiated tasks are regularly incorporated into teaching programs, adjusting pace, complexity, and content to meet diverse student needs.

We foster supportive, student-centred classroom environments that promote a strong sense of belonging while encouraging risk-taking, creativity, and collaboration. Students engage in authentic, choice-driven tasks that stimulate critical and creative thinking, as well as open-ended passion projects.

Ongoing assessment and constructive feedback enable us to set clear, individualised learning goals and allow teachers to continuously reflect and adapt their instructional approaches to maximise student growth.

Our staff undertake regular professional learning to enhance their capacity to meet the diverse needs of all learners, including our high potential and gifted students.

Across our school and beyond

At Cherrybrook Public School, we offer a wide range of opportunities to support and enrich our High Potential and Gifted Education (HPGE) students both within the school and the broader community.

We recognise that every student is unique, so our flexible programs nurture talents across many areas, providing pathways for students to excel and engage beyond the classroom.

Students can develop their strengths through activities such as debating, academic and poetry competitions, choir, chess, dance, inquiry-based learning, APSMO Maths Olympiad, art, and ICT.

We celebrate student talent through events like school musical soirees, Primary Proms, Festival of Instrumental Music, School Spectacular, as well as visual arts exhibitions, music ensembles, choir, recorder groups, bands, and dance groups.

Leadership skills are developed through participation in the Student Representative Council (SRC) and buddy classes. Wellbeing is actively promoted with Positive Behaviour for Learning (PBL) awards and support from our on-site wellbeing officer.

To build communication skills, we hold a whole-school Public Speaking competition.

Sport is highly valued, with specialised instruction, PSSA competitions, training, coaching, and house events offered to students.

Every day encourages curiosity and a sense of belonging, with lunchtime activities such as the Open Library, Chess and Garden Clubs.

Our comprehensive approach ensures that every student can thrive and grow in a supportive and enriching environment.