High potential and gifted education

Some students learn faster and more easily than others. These students may shine in creativity, thinking, leadership or sport.

At our school, we recognise and nurture these strengths early. We are committed to identifying high potential students and providing opportunities that challenge, extend and inspire them.

We support advanced learners through high-quality teaching and engaging learning experiences that help them grow and thrive. Our school provides specialised support across each of the HPGE domains:

Academic – ALPHA Class providing extension, enrichment and acceleration for high potential academic students
Physical – Targeted programs and pathways, including TEAP, to develop sporting talent and performance excellence
Creative – Opportunities to excel in the arts through dance, performance, visual arts and large-scale creative projects
Social and Emotional – Leadership, voice and wellbeing programs that build confidence, resilience and communication skills

Why choose us for high potential and gifted education

Academic Domain: ALPHA Class

The ALPHA class is a selected class for students in Years 7 and 8 who demonstrate high potential, gifted or highly gifted ability in their academic studies. Entry into the ALPHA class is based on demonstrated academic potential, with students required to sit reading, numeracy and writing assessments as part of the selection process.

Students are provided with extended and, where appropriate, accelerated learning opportunities designed to challenge, engage and support advanced learners.

Success has been evident, with ALPHA students achieving outstanding NAPLAN and HSC results.

Most recently, Emily Sonter achieved a 97.9 ATAR and placed first in course for Earth and Environmental Studies

Physical Domain: Tuggerah Lakes Elite Athletes Program (TEAP)

The Tuggerah Lakes Elite Athletes Program (TEAP) is a selected program for students in Years 7–10 who demonstrate high potential, gifted or highly gifted ability in the physical domain. Entry into TEAP is based on demonstrated sporting ability, commitment and potential, with students required to participate in a selection and trial process.

Students in TEAP are supported through high-quality coaching, specialised training and targeted development opportunities, while maintaining a strong focus on academic learning, wellbeing and personal growth.

2025 Success has been evident, with TEAP students:

- 4 National Representatives in 2025

- 7 NSW CHS representatives

- 51 Sydney North Representatives

- CHS gold, silver and bronze medals in swimming, athletics, cross country, triathlon, gymnastics and water polo

- Sydney North champions U15 Netball

- Sydney North Runners silver medalists: 7-8 netball, 9-10 netball, u15 water polo

Creative Domain - Dance, Drama, Visual Arts, Music and the School Musical.

Our Creative Domain supports students who demonstrate high potential, gifted or highly gifted ability in the creative arts, including dance, drama, music and visual arts. Students are identified and supported through high-quality teaching, performance opportunities and authentic creative experiences.

High potential creative students are extended through programs and opportunities such as TEAP Dance, participation in the Central Coast Dance Festival and the NSW State Dance Festival, Project Creative, and a range of art competitions.

A highlight of our creative program is the whole-school musical, most recently Grease, which provides students with an authentic, large-scale performance experience across acting, dance, music, technical production and leadership.

Our Social and Emotional Domain supports students who demonstrate high potential in leadership, communication and interpersonal skills. Students are provided with opportunities to develop confidence, resilience, empathy and a strong sense of responsibility through targeted programs and authentic leadership experiences.

High potential students are supported through initiatives such as the Student Representative Council (SRC), Duke of Edinburgh Award, Peer Support Program, leadership courses and conferences, public speaking workshops, and debating. These opportunities encourage students to develop their voice, lead with confidence and positively contribute to the school and wider community.