High potential and gifted education

At Empire Bay Public School, HPGE lives in everyday practice. We nurture curious minds, inspire confident learners and empower students to reach beyond what they think is possible.

Teachers carefully identify students’ learning needs and use evidence-informed practices to challenge, extend and enrich learning. We provide a range of learning pathways, including enrichment and extension opportunities, differentiated classroom experiences and, where appropriate, acceleration.

Our supportive and inclusive learning environments encourage students to take risks, think deeply, collaborate and explore their own strengths. Students are given opportunities to lead, make choices in their learning and engage in authentic, meaningful tasks that promote critical and creative thinking.

Groups are flexible, feedback is strengths-based with clear learning goals, and students are encouraged to reflect on their progress through self-assessment.

Our teachers actively engage in ongoing professional learning to meet the diverse needs of all learners, including our high potential and gifted students. At Empire Bay Public School, we are committed to ensuring every student is known, valued and challenged.

Across our school, every student is individual, so opportunities are flexible and diverse.
Students deepen their strengths through opportunities to represent the school in Debating, Chess competitions, Tournament of Minds, Maths Olympiad, Newcastle Permanent Maths Competition, Game Changer, Genius Hour and STEM pathways offered through our Lego Club and STEM Club. Dedicated Stage 2 and Stage 3 HPGE classes further extend learners through enriched, purposeful challenges.

Talent is celebrated through our Student News Crew, School Performances, Dance Groups, Band, Junior and Senior Choirs, our Aboriginal Art Show and participation in events such as the Choral Festival, supported by meaningful student roles across tech, media and backstage teams.

Leadership grows through our Student Voice Council, led by our School Captains and student leaders, as well as Peer Support and mentoring programs. Wellbeing is supported through PBL and other inclusive practices that build confidence, connection and a strong sense of belonging.

Daily life invites curiosity and engagement, with clubs and activities that encourage collaboration, creativity and student-directed learning.

Sport matters too, with differentiated sports programs for Stage 2 and Stage 3, PSSA opportunities, training and coaching that challenge students at their point of need. Partnerships such as our Futures Academy with the high school further expand pathways for learners with emerging passions and high potential.

• The Premier’s Spelling Bee promotes our students’ vocabulary development and attention to detail in competitive settings.

• The Premier’s Debating Challenge helps our students to build logical arguments and confidence in public speaking.

• Our STEM Enrichment Partnerships with industry and universities deepen our students’ intellectual curiosity while developing innovation and collaboration.

• Central Coast Choral Festival

• The Premier’s Sporting Challenge (PSC) promotes whole-school participation in physical activity with leadership pathways and professional learning.

• The Representative School Sport Pathway and PSSA and CHSSA events enable our students to trial and compete in sports at regional, state and national levels, fostering discipline, commitment and collaboration.

• Central Coast Dance Festival Senior and Junior EBPS Teams.

• Brisbane Water Futures Academy in partnership with Brisbane Water Secondary College and Primary schools within our region.