High potential and gifted education

High Potential and Gifted Education (HPGE) in the Classroom

At Gundagai High School, our small rural setting allows us to provide tailored educational experiences by combining Year 7 and 8 into Stage 4 classes and Year 9 and 10 into Stage 5 classes. This structure enables us to offer a dedicated HPGE class within each stage, where students are challenged and extended through a variety of enriched learning opportunities.

In our HPGE classes, students engage in differentiated tasks that carefully adjust the pace, complexity, and promote higher-order thinking skills. We use ongoing formative assessment to closely monitor individual growth and adapt learning activities to meet each student’s evolving needs. Explicit teaching of critical thinking and problem-solving strategies equips students to approach challenges with confidence and creativity.

Our approach also incorporates differentiated movement tasks and skill refinement in PDHPE, ensuring that physical education challenges align with students’ abilities and development goals. Leadership opportunities within the classroom foster personal growth, encouraging students to take initiative and build confidence.

We create safe and supportive learning environments where students feel empowered to take risks, persevere through challenges, and develop resilience. Structured peer collaboration and reflection are integral to our programs, promoting a culture of mutual respect, shared learning, and continuous self-improvement.

Through this comprehensive approach, Gundagai High School is proud to nurture the potential of our HPGE students, preparing them for future academic and personal success.

Enriching Opportunities Across Gundagai High School

At Gundagai High School, we are committed to providing a wide range of activities that engage and enrich our students beyond the classroom. Our diverse programs cater to a variety of interests and strengths, supporting the growth of the whole student.

Students have the opportunity to participate in music ensembles and visual arts showcases, fostering creativity and artistic expression. Our creative writing groups nurture imagination and literacy skills, while academic competitions challenge students to excel and apply their knowledge.

Sport plays an important role in our school community, with sport squads and House Competitions promoting teamwork, fitness, and school spirit. Leadership skills are developed through our Student Representative Council (SRC), giving students a voice and a platform to contribute positively to the school environment.

We also prioritise inclusion and wellbeing through participation in whole-school initiatives that support a safe and supportive community. Many students actively engage in volunteering and community-based initiatives, demonstrating a strong commitment to making a difference locally. Additionally, our students are involved in supporting various community groups, strengthening connections beyond the school gates.

These opportunities allow students at Gundagai High School to develop confidence, leadership, and a sense of belonging—key ingredients for success both during and beyond their school years.

Connecting Gundagai High School Across the State

Gundagai High School actively supports students to engage with opportunities beyond our local community, building pathways for personal growth and achievement across New South Wales.

Our students participate in the Representative School Sport Pathway as well as CHSSA events, enabling them to trial and compete in sports at regional, state, and national levels. These experiences foster important qualities such as discipline, commitment, and collaboration while allowing students to showcase their talents on wider stages.

We offer enriching cultural experiences through visits to local and interstate art galleries, museums, and science fairs, broadening students’ knowledge and inspiring creativity and curiosity.

Career development is a key focus, with diverse opportunities to explore pathways and gain real-world insight. Our Hospitality students engage in catering trips to the Easter Show and actively participate in the NSW Department of Education Rural Café program, gaining valuable hands-on experience.

Outdoor education and leadership programs further enhance personal growth, challenging students to develop resilience, teamwork, and leadership skills in dynamic and engaging settings.

Additionally, Gundagai High School proudly participates in initiatives like the Run Beyond Project, which promotes physical activity, social connection, and mental wellbeing. Through these programs, students develop resilience and a strong sense of community while connecting with peers across the state.

By engaging in these statewide opportunities, our students expand their horizons and build skills that prepare them for success both in school and in life beyond.