High potential and gifted education

In our classrooms at Willoughby Public School, we focus on recognising and nurturing high potential and gifted students to ensure every child has the opportunity to thrive.

Our approach includes:

Identification Procedures

At Willoughby Public School, we identify high potential students through a fair, equitable, and comprehensive process. We gather a range of information to understand each child’s strengths across different areas. This includes results from assessments such as Check-in and NAPLAN, alongside classroom tests. Each year, we also use a non-verbal reasoning assessment to help identify students’ potential. We value input from parents through simple checklists, as well as insights from teachers’ observations and student work samples. All of this information is carefully reviewed by our Learning and Support team, with expert guidance from our HPGE Action Learning Team, to ensure your child receives the right support and opportunities to thrive.

Safe and Supportive Learning Environment

At Willoughby Public School, our classrooms foster supportive learning environments where every student feels valued and included, encouraging creativity, collaboration, and the confidence to take intellectual risks.

Flexible Clustering

We create student clusters of high potential students when forming classes to provide targeted support and challenge. These clusters allow teachers to use evidence-informed teaching practices tailored to extend and enrich learning for all students. Through varied learning pathways, including enrichment, extension programs, and formal subject acceleration we support each student to be appropriately challenged and supported.

Professional Learning

Our teachers participate in continuous professional learning and collaborative practices to enhance their skills in addressing the diverse needs of every student, including those with high potential and giftedness. By engaging with the latest research and evidence-based strategies promoted by the NSW Department of Education, staff are equipped to create inclusive, differentiated learning experiences that challenge and support all learners to achieve their personal best.

Our school offers a variety of opportunities for students to pursue their interests, grow their talents, and deepen their learning beyond the classroom. These programs foster creativity, leadership, wellbeing, and help every student feel connected and valued.

Intellectual Domain
Students enhance their critical thinking and problem-solving skills through programs such as the Maths Olympiad Challenge, Maths Explorer, Premier’s Debating, Council Writing Competition, Premier’s Spelling Bee, and Chess Club. Opportunities also include participation in the Multicultural Perspectives Public Speaking Competition, Bebras Computational Thinking Challenge, and language classes for native speakers. Extension opportunities include Tournament of the Minds, and additional writing competitions.

Physical Domain
Our students engage in a variety of physical activities, including elite sports trials, cross country, athletics, and swimming pathways. They have opportunities to compete in State Knockouts (soccer, netball) and participate in PSSA sport and house competitions. Ongoing collaboration with community sport organisations, such as Sydney FC Support Class Coaching and Netball P&C, support skill development.

Social-Emotional Domain
We foster leadership and social skills through programs like the Peer Mentor Program, Cromehurst Buddies, public speaking and debating opportunities, as well as the Stage 3 Leadership Program. These initiatives promote confidence, resilience, and positive peer relationships.

Creative Domain
Creativity is developed through participation in the Wildlife Storybook Competition, Talent Quest, dance sport, choir, and performance band. Students also have opportunities to take part in workshops with community groups such as the Australian Army and Police bands.

At Willoughby Public School, we are committed to nurturing the talents and potential of all our students through participation in a range of distinguished state-wide programs. These opportunities provide valuable experiences to extend learning, build confidence, and foster creativity beyond the classroom.

Premier’s Debating Challenge

Our students develop critical thinking and public speaking skills through the Premier’s Debating Challenge. This program encourages them to construct logical, persuasive arguments and gain confidence in oral communication, preparing them for future academic and social success.

Premier’s Spelling Challenge

The Premier’s Spelling Challenge helps students enhance their vocabulary, spelling skills, and love of language through fun and engaging activities. It promotes effective literacy skills that support student achievement across all areas of learning.

Dance Sport

Through our involvement with Dance Sport, students experience a unique blend of movement, rhythm, and confidence building. Dance Sport encourages teamwork, coordination, and self-expression, supporting physical and social development in a fun and inclusive environment.

Primary Proms

Our talented musicians participate in the Primary Proms, an inclusive orchestral experience that brings children together to perform works from the classical repertoire in a professional concert setting. This program inspires a lifelong love of music and collaboration.

Festival of Instrumental Music

Each year, our school proudly sends instrumentalists to the Festival of Instrumental Music, a flagship event showcasing the highest level of primary school musicianship in NSW. It offers a rich opportunity for students to perform in a large ensemble at Sydney’s iconic venues and develop their musical skills under the guidance of expert conductors.

Sydney North Public Schools Dance Festival

Our dance ensembles participate in the Sydney North Public Schools Dance Festival, which celebrates creativity, performance, and camaraderie among primary schools in the Sydney North region. This vibrant event enables our students to showcase their choreography and dance skills in a supportive, professional environment.

Festival of Choral Music

Our choir has the extraordinary opportunity to perform at the Sydney Opera House during the Festival of Choral Music. This prestigious event brings together thousands of young singers from across NSW to celebrate choral excellence and teamwork in an inspiring and memorable setting.