High potential and gifted education (HPGE)

student doing science experiment Recognising potential. Nurturing talent. Providing challenge.

Engadine High School delivers inclusive, equitable and future-focused learning. Our High Potential and Gifted Education (HPGE) program develops talent across four domains: intellectual, creative, physical and social-emotional.

We identify potential early and keep checking as students progress—using transition data, classroom performance and standardised measures. No single test. Multiple views.

Students then get what they need to stretch: enrichment, targeted extension and acceleration, mentoring and competition pathways. The result is confident learners, deeper thinking and strong HSC outcomes across subjects.

Why choose us for your high potential or gifted child?

student completing science experiment

Intellectual Domain

We find and nurture high potential. We use multiple measures, not a single test. Transition data, standardised assessments such as AGAT and CoGAT, NAPLAN and ICAS, classroom performance, and teacher or parent nomination. Identification is ongoing. Families and teachers can nominate at any time, and we retest where appropriate so students are not missed.

Enrichment classes in Years 7 and 8
Purposeful grouping. Evidence-based placement from transition testing and early classroom data. Placements are confirmed at the start of Year 7 and reviewed each year. Identification is never removed.

Cross-KLA Highly Gifted Elective (Years 7–10)
A select class for students with very high cognitive potential. Students work on advanced STEM challenges, maths and science competitions, politics and philosophy inquiries, and intensive critical thinking. Each student has an individual learning plan applied across subjects. We provide personalised mentoring, extension projects, competition pathways, and social and wellbeing support tailored to high-ability needs.

Extension and acceleration
Targeted programs in literacy, numeracy, science and the humanities. Subject or stage acceleration where appropriate. Project-based learning, academic mentoring, and curated opportunities beyond the classroom.

Class placement across the school
Stage 4 uses a concurrent model drawing on qualitative and quantitative evidence. Stage 5 offers high-potential classes in core KLAs. Stage 6 uses guided subject selection with extension pathways for capable students.

Impact and trajectory
Our students convert potential into results. Each year we see strong HSC outcomes across a wide range of subjects, including Band 6 achievements and early university pathway offers. With strengthened identification, enrichment, and the cross-KLA class, we expect continued growth in senior results.

Creative Domain

Creativity is a core strength of Engadine High School. We offer a highly regarded Visual Arts program and extensive opportunities in music, drama and dance. Students in this domain are encouraged to take creative risks, develop original ideas and refine their technical skills.

Visual Arts
Our Visual Arts program identifies students early through structured assessment tasks that evaluate imagination, skill and personal engagement.
Students access:

  • Specialist art projects and workshops
  • Excursions to exhibitions including Hazelhurst and ArtExpress
  • Individualised project opportunities and pathways into elective and senior study
  • Mentoring with professional artists and educators

Performing Arts
Students may be identified through auditions, teacher nomination or ensemble involvement.
Opportunities include:

  • Performance ensembles and composition support
  • Workshops and masterclasses with industry professionals
  • Access to dedicated studio spaces and experienced staff
Physical Domain

Students with potential in the physical domain often demonstrate coordination, commitment, and a strong sense of discipline. We recognise and support physical potential through both curriculum and co curricular opportunities.

Opportunities include:

  • Fitness and skill assessments in Year 7 PDHPE lessons
  • Differentiated PE and sport programs
  • Access to guest coaches and additional training
  • Pathways into Stage 5 Physical Activity and Sports Studies
  • Support for students balancing representative sport and learning

Students may be identified by teachers, coaches or through self nomination. Our aim is to develop confidence, wellbeing and goal setting alongside physical performance.

Social Emotional Domain

The social emotional domain includes leadership, empathy, teamwork and resilience. At Engadine High School, we see these traits as vital to learning and personal growth. Our programs support students who connect well with others, take initiative, and show potential in communication and collaboration.

Programs include:

  • Student Voice, where students take part in school planning and decision making
  • Social Justice Action teams, focused on advocacy and service
  • Duke of Edinburgh Award, promoting personal development through volunteering, physical activity and goal setting
  • Senior leadership roles, including Prefect and Captain pathways
  • Mentoring and wellbeing support for students managing high expectations or academic stress

These opportunities are open to all students through application, nomination or teacher referral. We ensure that programs are inclusive, meaningful and supported by strong pastoral care.

What is high potential and gifted education?

High potential and gifted education (HPGE) is how our school supports students with advanced learning needs.

We do this through:

Celebrating Success

Intellectual Domain

Congratulations to our talented Year 12 students

A huge well done to both our Textiles and Design and Industrial Technology – Timber and Furnishing students whose HSC Major Projects have been nominated for possible inclusion in SHAPE 2026!

SHAPE celebrates the most outstanding Major Projects from across Design and Technology, Industrial Technology, and Textiles and Design in NSW. The exhibition will be held at the University of Technology Sydney from Monday 16 March to Saturday 11 April 2026.

We’re so proud of the creativity, craftsmanship, and dedication our students have shown in bringing their innovative ideas to life.

Creative Domain

Our Visual Arts HPGE students kicked off an amazing mural painting project

With focus and creativity, each student fully engaged in bringing their unique designs to life. Every section of the mural reflects their individual artistic strengths and skills, making this a true celebration of both personal talent and collaborative creativity.

We can’t wait to see this masterpiece come together!

Physical Domain

Stdents holding their Sydney East Blue medals Congratulations to Will Price and Cooper Wrightson on Sydney East Blue Award

We are thrilled to announce that Year 12 students Will Price and Cooper Wrightson have been honoured with the prestigious Sydney East Blue award for their outstanding commitment and excellence in Lawn Bowls.

We are immensely proud of Will and Cooper for achieving this remarkable milestone. Their hard work and passion serve as an inspiration to our entire school community.

A massive congratulations to Amy Sanderson!

Amy was awarded a prestigious CHS Blue for Gymnastics, recognising only the most elite student athletes in NSW. This rare honour reflects her exceptional skill, dedication, and sportsmanship at the highest level.

Amy has proudly represented our school with determination and resilience. Her CHS Blue celebrates both her talent and the hard work behind her success, exemplifying true excellence in sport.

Social Emotional Domain

A Truly Golden Moment

Our incredible School Captain, Duc Tri Nguyen, reached the pinnacle of the Duke of Edinburgh journey – receiving his Gold Award at a formal ceremony at Government House.

This is a first for Engadine High School, and what a proud moment it is for our entire school community. Achieving Gold is no easy feat – it takes persistence, courage, service, and a spirit of adventure. Duc has managed all this while also tackling the full demands of the HSC. Truly outstanding.

Help for your high potential child

If your child shows signs of high potential, contact us. We can share how our HPGE support can guide their learning journey.

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