High potential and gifted education

At Biraban Public School, high potential and gifted education is embedded in everyday teaching practice. All teachers are trained in explicit instruction, HPGE strategies and differentiation, ensuring every learner is challenged and supported. Lessons include

flexible grouping, low floor–high ceiling tasks, enrichment and extension opportunities, and mastery learning through pre-testing, allowing students to move quickly to more challenging and enriching learning. Students engage in inquiry-based learning, critical and creative thinking, debating, project work and real-world problem solving. Teachers use formative assessment and reflective practices to extend understanding, supported by 1:1 devices in senior classes. Wellbeing programs, including chaplain-led initiatives, nurture confidence, resilience and positive relationships. High-potential learners are closely tracked and may receive targeted teaching, small-group intervention or enrichment through specialist teaching.

Cultural learning is a valued part of our approach, with Aboriginal students engaging in identity-building and Elder-led opportunities that develop strengths across multiple domains.

Biraban Public School provides a wide range of programs and experiences across the school designed to develop high potential across intellectual, creative, social-emotional and physical domains. Students are supported through enrichment groups, extension opportunities, academic challenges and creative and sporting programs that allow them to explore strengths, develop new skills and build confidence.

Learning opportunities include debating and public speaking, critical thinking workshops, chess and Lego clubs, STEM and robotics activities, and school-based academic challenges. Students also engage in rich creative experiences including the whole-school concert, StarStruck, dance, choir, visual arts workshops and Aboriginal cultural programs such as didgeridoo and dance.

Student leadership and voice are central to our school culture, with opportunities through School Leadership roles, the SRC, Junior AECG, Peer Support and initiatives such as the Environment Club. Wellbeing programs, including those delivered by the school chaplain, support students’ confidence, resilience and social development.

Biraban Public School also supports the early identification of students with high potential in the intellectual domain. We work closely with families to nurture strengths and, where appropriate, support students preparing for placement in the Opportunity Class. Students in the Opportunity Class participate in specialised academic programs, including Gifted Games and interschool academic challenges, providing additional extension within a collaborative learning environment.

Students at Biraban Public School access a range of regional and statewide programs that extend learning and develop high potential across all domains. These include Department of Education initiatives such as the Premier’s Spelling Bee, Premier’s Debating Challenge, Australian Mathematics Competition, and opportunities to attend creative, academic and HPGE camps across a range of disciplines.

Our students also benefit from strong community partnerships that enrich learning beyond the classroom. Collaborations with the University of Newcastle, including SMART Squad and STEM outreach programs, support inquiry, innovation and problem solving, alongside participation in Children’s University, which promotes curiosity and lifelong learning.

Aboriginal students are supported through meaningful, Elder-led cultural learning opportunities that extend across the region, strengthening identity, leadership, connection to Country and community.

Students in our Opportunity Class additionally access regional academic extension through the Regional North Community of Practice, working collaboratively with other schools to engage in advanced learning and academic challenge.