Gifted & High Potential Learners

Extending students with strong aptitude

we believe every child should have the opportunity to excel and go beyond their own expectations. This includes students who demonstrate exceptional aptitude or abilities beyond those of their peers, identified as high potential learners.

Recognising that every learner is unique, we provide high potential learners with a differentiated curriculum and enrichment opportunities tailored to extend them in ways that are engaging, meaningful, and aligned with their individual strengths and interests.

Identifying high Potential learners

We identify highly able learners using a range of data collected both internally and externally and through communication with other stakeholders in a student’s education.

  • Ability Testing – Students complete standardised testing across different areas, including literacy and numeracy, science and general ability. We use tools such as NAPLAN, ACER Progressive Achievement Testing, ICAS and VALID Science to triangulate data and identify students who are potentially working beyond stage expectations.
  • Assessment and referral – Teachers and our specialist staff, including our Learning Enrichment team, work collaboratively on classroom observations and assessment data to identify highly able learners.
  • Parent and specialist information – If your child has participated in any external assessment, such as Psychometric testing (IQ), or you have any other relevant information regarding their development, please share it with our staff so that we can take it under consideration when planning for your child.

High-potential learners are students whose ability is more advanced than similar-aged peers across different areas. This includes intellectual ability, speed of learning and the ability to manipulate complex thinking patterns.

Enrichment Opportunities

We offer a range of opportunities for students to extend and excel.

Junior School

  • HICES Gifted and Talented Camp
  • Da Vinci Decathlon
  • Gifted and Talented Music Program
  • Tournament of Minds
  • Representative Sports
  • Debating

Middle School

  • HICES Gifted and Talented Camp
  • Da Vinci Decathlon
  • Gifted and Talented Music Program
  • Tournament of Minds
  • Representative Sports
  • Debating

Senior School

  • Da Vinci Decathlon
  • Tournament of Minds
  • Debating
  • Gifted and Talented Music Program
  • Duke of Edinburgh Award
  • College Bands
  • ICAS Competitions
  • Representative Sports
  • Law Society of NSW Mock Trial

Duke of Edinburgh’s Award Scheme

The internationally recognised Duke of Edinburgh’s Award Scheme creates opportunities for young people to ‘develop skills, get physically active, give service and experience adventure’ and can play a critical role in development.