High Potential and Gifted Education

High Potential and Gifted Education (HPGE) reflects the NSW Department of Education’s commitment to supporting all students to engage and be challenged in their learning—across the Intellectual, Creative, Physical, and Social–Emotional domains.

Key Principles:

Every student, despite background or circumstances, must have access to programs that meet their needs and inspire their excellence.
Potential exists on a continuum and requires varied approaches to extension and intervention.
Enrichment, acceleration, and bespoke learning pathways must be equitable, sustained, and purposeful.
Learning environments must nurture both academic growth and wellbeing.

HPGE Domains of Potential

Northmead CAPA aligns with Gagné's revised model, as adopted by the Department, focusing on these key areas:

These domains often intersect, and our HPGE programs are designed to reflect this interconnectedness.

Intellectual

Deep reasoning, complex problem-solving, and mastery of understanding.

Creative

Original thinking, imaginative expression, and innovative problem solutions.

Physical

Advanced skills in movement, performance, and coordinated expression.

Social–Emotional

Leadership, resilience, empathy, and relational self-awareness.

Northmead CAPA’s HPGE Provision

Differentiated Classroom Learning

Differentiation is central to HPGE at Northmead CAPA High School. Teachers adapt learning experiences to provide greater depth, complexity, and challenge, ensuring high-potential students are extended within the classroom. This approach also supports social and emotional growth by encouraging collaboration, leadership, and reflection.

Acceleration

Acceleration provides high-potential learners with the opportunity to progress through curriculum content at a faster pace or begin advanced courses earlier than usual. This approach challenges students with more complex concepts when they are ready, while also creating space to pursue other interests in their senior years.

Talent Development Partnerships

Strategic collaborations with UTS, Sydney Metro, Rotary clubs, professional venues, and local schools expand students’ horizons—enhancing creativity, intellectual rigour, and performance readiness.

Enrichment, Competitions and Authentic Learning

As part of the HPGE program at Northmead CAPA High School, students are encouraged to extend their learning through academic competitions, enrichment activities, and authentic real-world experiences. These opportunities allow students to apply their knowledge in new contexts, embrace challenge, and showcase their talents at local, national, and international levels.

Global and Cultural Opportunities

Students also have the chance to broaden their horizons through overseas cultural exchanges and festival participation, enabling them to experience different perspectives, connect with international peers, and apply their learning in global contexts.

HPGE in our Faculties:

Mathematics

Students participate in opportunities such as the ICAS Mathematics Assessment, Kangourou sans Frontières (KSF) Maths Competition, the Australian Mathematics Competition (AMC), and the Bebras Computational Thinking Challenge. These competitions promote higher-order problem-solving, logical reasoning, and abstract thinking, building intellectual rigour and persistence.

English

Through activities such as the ICAS English Competition, the Premier’s Reading Challenge, writing and public speaking, debating competitions, and the Creative Writing Club, students extend their skills in analysis, communication, and imaginative expression. These opportunities encourage creativity, originality, and confidence in performance.

Science

Our students engage in the ICAS Science Assessment, the Big Science Competition, the Junior Science Olympiad, and the Australian Science Olympiads across Biology, Chemistry, Earth and Environmental Science, and Physics. In addition, initiatives such as the UTS Impact STEM Program, the Metro Minds STEAM Challenge, and Science outreach to local primary schools provide authentic, inquiry-based experiences that connect classroom learning to the real world.

HSIE

In the Humanities, students extend their knowledge through the Australian History Competition, geography fieldwork, and enrichment experiences such as the Model United Nations Assembly (MUNA) and Discover Model UN at UNSW. These activities foster global awareness, ethical reasoning, leadership, and advanced communication skills.

Creative and Performing Arts

Students in CAPA have access to a wide range of enrichment opportunities, including performing arts showcases, eisteddfods, and exhibitions, as well as immersive Electives such as Circus and Visual Arts, Visual Design, Dance and Drama. These experiences nurture creativity, originality, and discipline, while providing authentic opportunities to perform and present in professional settings.

HPGE Spotlight

Check out our monthly newsletters which exclusively highlights the work of our teachers in HPGE classrooms, programs and initiatives

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Entry into the HPGE Program

Year 7 Entry

Selection into the Year 7 HPGE program is based on the Higher Ability Selection Test (HAST).

The HAST is conducted early in the year prior to commencement and assesses higher-order thinking, problem-solving, and reasoning.
Results from the HAST, alongside primary school reports and teacher input, are used to determine placement in HPGE classes.
Successful applicants receive a formal offer and contract outlining expectations of the program.

Ongoing Identification

HPGE is not limited to Year 7 entry. Students may be identified at later stages based on:

School performance data (classwork, assessment, and reporting).
Standardised testing (NAPLAN, PAT, or similar measures).
Teacher observations and student work samples.
Achievements in external competitions and enrichment programs.

Program Expectations

Students enrolled in the HPGE program are expected to consistently demonstrate:

Academic Excellence – high or outstanding results across subjects.
Commitment – sustained effort in classwork, homework, and assessments.
Positive Behaviour and Attendance – exemplary attendance, conduct, and representation of school values.
Engagement – participation in enrichment activities such as academic competitions, debating, public speaking, and creative projects.

School Pride – wearing the correct uniform and contributing positively to the school community.

Regular reviews are conducted to ensure students continue to meet expectations and are receiving the appropriate level of challenge and support.

Fees

The HPGE program includes an annual fee (currently $70, payable in Term 1 each year). This supports resources, competitions, and enrichment opportunities. Additional costs may apply for extracurricular activities, excursions, or if students are enrolled in both the HPGE and CAPA programs.

Partnership with Parents and Carers

Success in the HPGE program relies on a shared commitment between the school, students, and families. Parents and carers are encouraged to support their child’s involvement by:

Encouraging consistent study and participation in enrichment activities.
Supporting school values and expectations.
Maintaining communication with teachers and the HPGE Coordinator.

Student opportunities and activities

Discover the opportunities our students have at our school.

Learning

Find out about our approach to learning and supporting students to progress