High potential and gifted education (HPGE)

Some students learn faster and more easily than others. These students may shine in creativity, thinking, leadership or sport. 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.

Our HPGE opportunities

Our students engage with HPGE in our classrooms, across our school and NSW. For information about our enrichment opportunities and programs see our WBHS HPGE Information Handbook.

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Why WBHS for your high potential or gifted child?

Quality opportunities in our classrooms

See our HPGE booklet above
Graded classes Years 7-10
EEE Classes in Years 7 and 8
Differentiated tasks that adjust pace, complexity and higher-order thinking
Formative assessment to monitor growth and adapt learning
Advanced learning pathways
Explicit teaching of critical thinking and problem-solving strategies
Opportunities for abstraction, inquiry, and curriculum depth
Tasks that promote choice, authenticity, and critical and creative thinking including cross-curricular projects
Flexible grouping for collaborative ideation and presentation
Supportive learning environments that enable exploration and self-assessment
Strengths-based feedback and goal setting
Opportunities for leadership within the classroom and across the school
Structured peer collaboration and reflection.
Safe learning environments that encourage confidence, risk-taking, and perseverance

Quality opportunities across our school

See our HPGE booklet above
Debating
Academic competitions
School musicals
Music ensembles
Visual arts and drama showcases
Sports - regional, state and national
House competitions
Peer mentoring
Chess club
Student leadership teams and programs
Wellbeing programs
Participation in whole-school inclusion and wellbeing initiatives

Quality opportunities across NSW

See our HPGE booklet above
Our students participate in a wide range of regional and statewide programs to extend and enrich student potential. Statewide/NSW Department of Education level support is available for our high potential and gifted students.
We provide access to local, state and national competitions and events to help students explore and extend their talents.
The Premier’s Debating Challenge helps our students to build logical arguments and confidence in public speaking.
Our STEM Enrichment Partnerships with industry and universities deepen our students’ intellectual curiosity while developing innovation and collaboration.
Involvement in the Game Changer Challenge empowers our students to solve future-focused problems using design thinking.
The Schools Spectacular is an iconic performing arts event that celebrates the talents, diversity and creativity of students from across NSW public schools.
Participation in music ensembles (e.g. State Wind Orchestra, State Choirs) hones our students’ musical skills, discipline and ensemble awareness.
The Premier’s Sporting Challenge (PSC) promotes whole-school participation in physical activity with leadership pathways and professional learning.
Our mentoring programs connect our students with trusted adults including school alumni to build confidence, motivation, and interpersonal skills.

Appropriate intellectual challenge and enrichment

We understand that HPGE children can learn faster and more deeply than their peers. Our school offers a broad and relevant curriculum, graded classes, differentiated instruction, advanced coursework and HPGE programs to help your child stay engaged, challenged and stimulated.

Supportive teachers and resources

Our teachers and counsellors are trained in working with HPGE students and understand the academic and emotional needs of HPGE learners. Our support system includes personalised academic advising, mentorship opportunities, and social-emotional guidance to help gifted students thrive in all areas.

Opportunities for social and emotional growth

Our school has a strong HPGE program that can offer strong opportunities for meaningful friendships and collaboration, fostering confidence and wellbeing.

Focus on creativity and critical thinking

Many HPGE children are not just fast learners but also original thinkers. Our school fosters creativity, problem-solving, and innovation through open-ended projects, interdisciplinary learning and whole school enrichment opportunities.

Opportunities for enrichment and leadership

Beyond the classroom, we provide a wide variety of enrichment activities and programs to help HPGE students pursue their passions and develop real-world skills.

Advanced learning pathways

Advanced learning pathways offer students learning experiences beyond age-based competency. The term covers a range of learning adjustments such as different forms of acceleration, mentorships, using virtual technology, enrichment and extension.

A peer community of high achievers

At WBHS your child will be part of a motivated, high-achieving student body that values learning. Our community fosters healthy academic competition, collaboration, and friendships with like-minded peers — essential for both personal and intellectual development.

Wellbeing support

Structured wellbeing programs promote mental health, self-regulation and positive social interactions. Our school provides access to wellbeing services, including counsellors, who can help with stress management and building of resilience.

Opportunities to excel the physical domain

At WBHS, our HPGE students enjoy many opportunities to develop and thrive in their sporting passions and endeavours with regional, state, national and international success.