High potential and gifted education

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.

Why choose us for your high potential or gifted child?

Recognising potential and developing talent

Our teachers find potential and nurture our students to be the best they can be.

Tailored lessons

Each student has different abilities. Teachers respond to each student’s ability by providing extra challenges and extension activities to keep learning exciting and engaging.

Rich opportunities and activities

Students can take part in opportunities to develop their talent in the arts, sport, leadership and more.

Opportunity Class (Years 5-6)

A selective learning environment where high-achieving students are challenged, inspired and supported to excel alongside like-minded peers.

What is high potential and gifted education?

Discover Excellence at Moss Vale Public School

At Moss Vale Public School, we are committed to helping every child reach their full potential. We offer a wide range of opportunities for High Potential and Gifted learners, while recognising that children may show strengths in different ways — academically, creatively, physically, or socially.

We understand that learning is not just about academics. Creativity, thinking skills, physical development and wellbeing all work together. Through personalised classroom learning, engaging whole-school programs and access to prestigious Department initiatives, students are supported to grow, challenge themselves and thrive in a nurturing and inclusive environment.

High Potential and Gifted Education (HPGE) is how our school supports students with advanced learning needs.

We do this through:

effective teaching strategies like enrichment, extension and acceleration

tailored support during lessons that stretch, challenge and inspire

access to a wide range of opportunities both within and beyond our school.

In our classroom

High-quality teaching, every day, in every classroom

High Potential and Gifted Education at Moss Vale Public School begins in the classroom, where learning is purposeful, flexible and responsive to student needs.

Differentiated learning tasks
Teachers adjust lessons so students can work at an appropriate level of challenge, encouraging deeper thinking and creativity.

Ongoing assessment and feedback
Teachers regularly check progress and adjust learning to ensure students are supported and extended.
Critical and creative thinking
Students are explicitly taught how to solve problems, think critically and apply their learning in new ways.
Flexible groupings
Students work in a variety of group settings, building confidence, communication skills and collaboration.
Physical skill development
Physical Education focuses on developing coordination, agility, control and confidence in movement.
Leadership opportunities
Students take on leadership roles in learning activities, discussions, peer mentoring and sporting contexts.
Collaboration and reflection
Structured opportunities for teamwork, peer feedback and self-reflection help students develop social skills and leadership potential.
A strengths-based learning environment
Classrooms are supportive and encouraging, with a strong focus on student voice, goal setting and celebrating individual strengths.

Across our school

Whole School Level: Enrichment and Growth

Opportunities that extend learning beyond the classroom

Moss Vale Public School offers a wide range of whole-school and extra-curricular programs designed to nurture student talents, interests and wellbeing.
Selective Opportunity Class (Years 5–6)
The Southern Highlands Opportunity Class provides a challenging and supportive learning environment for high-achieving students, including enrichment experiences such as cultural excursions and theatre performances.
Academic competitions
Students may participate in programs such as the APSMO Maths Olympiad, Tournament of the Minds, National History Competition and interschool debating.

Creative and performing arts
Opportunities include Bandemonium Band Program, Pulse Alive Dance and Choir, school musical productions, and the Southern Tablelands Dance Festival.
Leadership and wellbeing programs
Student Representative Council, public speaking, peer mentoring and community events help students develop confidence, leadership skills and emotional wellbeing.
Sporting excellence
Students can trial for PSSA representation and participate in district, zone, regional and state competitions across a wide range of sports, building teamwork, resilience and fitness.

Across NSW

Department Level: Access to Premier Opportunities

Extending learning beyond the school

Moss Vale Public School connects students with regional and Department-wide programs that further enrich learning experiences.

Regional selective education
Hosting the Southern Highlands Opportunity Class allows gifted students from across the region to learn together in a specialised setting.

Department of Education programs and events
Students have access to enrichment days, competitions and learning opportunities coordinated by the NSW Department of Education.
Local and regional partnerships
Collaborations with nearby high schools and participation in HPGE initiatives, specialist workshops, local shows, competitions and Inspire Days support strong learning pathways.
Creative arts opportunities
Students are supported to apply for workshops and events through the NSW Arts Unit. More information can be found here.
Specialised sporting pathways
Families are supported to explore regional or specialist sports opportunities, such as equestrian or snow sports, through the NSW School Sports Unit. For more information, families are encouraged to visit the NSW School Sports Unit here.