Inspire - High potential and gifted education

At Lugarno Public School, we are committed to the NSW Department of Education’s High Potential and Gifted Education (HPGE) Policy, which ensures that students with high potential across all areas of ability are identified, supported and challenged to thrive. The policy recognises that students may demonstrate high potential — and the capacity for gifted performance - in one or more of four domains: intellectual, creative, social emotional and physical.

Our HPGE process includes a continuous cycle of assessment, identification, planning, implementation and evaluation, ensuring that all students with potential and giftedness are recognised and extended across all four domains.

Through enrichment, extension, and extra-curricular opportunities, we provide engaging pathways to coach talent, build confidence and develop capabilities that prepare students for high school and life beyond.

Lugarno PS enthusiastically opens pathways to different areas of the curriculum.

What is high potential and gifted education?

Inspire - [Placeholder] (HPGE) is how our school supports students with advanced learning needs.

We do this through:

Domains of Potential:

Creative
Those with high potential in the creative domain stand out through innovative thinking, originality and imaginative expression. They often generate unique ideas, approaches or products and thrive in environments that encourage exploration and risk-taking.
Intellectual
Students demonstrating high potential in the intellectual domain excel in critical thinking, reasoning and problem-solving. Their advanced abilities enable them to process complex information, generate creative solutions and demonstrate exceptional academic achievement.
Physical
High potential in the physical domain is reflected in outstanding athletic ability, motor skills, coordination and physical expression. These students excel in sports, dance or other activities requiring stamina, agility and refined movement.
Social-emotional
Students gifted in the social domain display advanced interpersonal skills, leadership, empathy  and emotional intelligence. They are adept at motivating others, mediating conflicts and collaborating effectively within various social settings.
Achievement across Domains:
Some students demonstrate remarkable abilities across one or more HPGE domains. Their diverse skillsets allow them to integrate intellectual, creative, social and/or physical strengths, making exceptional contributions in multidisciplinary contexts.

Our high potential and gifted education opportunities

Our students engage with HPGE education in the classroom, in our school, and across NSW.

In our classroom
  • We are committed to recognising and nurturing high potential and gifted students, ensuring every student has the opportunity to thrive at our school.
  • Our classroom practices support and extend high potential and gifted students.
  • We identify students' learning needs in the classroom and use evidence-informed teaching practices to challenge and extend students. We provide learning pathways, including enrichment and extension programs and acceleration.
  • Our supportive classroom environments promote a sense of belonging and encourage risk-taking, creativity and collaboration.
  • Our teachers engage in professional learning to support the diverse needs of all students, including our high potential and gifted learners.
Across our school

At Lugarno PS we recognise that every student is individual, and we provide flexible and diverse opportunities for students to explore and grow their strengths outside the classroom.

Our school offers a range of individual, group and whole-school programs that support student growth. These include;

Leadership Opportunities

Students are given leadership opportunities to model, promote and reinforce our school values across school environments. They may also assist in school assemblies and/or represent our school in community events.

  • School Leaders
  • Student Representative Council (SRC)
  • Sports Captains
  • PBL Leaders
  • Library Monitors
Dance Troupes Lugarno Public School's Dance Troupes meet every Tuesday, offering students from Years 1 to 6 the opportunity to express themselves through movement and develop teamwork skills. The program is divided into three groups: Junior (Years 1–2), Intermediate (Years 3–4), and Senior (Years 5–6), ensuring age-appropriate choreography and a fun, supportive environment for all dancers.
Drama Enrichment Drama Enrichment at Lugarno Public School offers students the chance to explore creativity, build confidence, and develop communication skills through engaging drama activities. This program encourages teamwork and self-expression in a fun and supportive setting, helping students shine both on and off the stage.
Band Lugarno Public School partners with Bandemonium to provide a wonderful opportunity for students to discover and develop their musical talents. Through regular rehearsals and performances, students enjoy playing instruments, collaborating with peers, and building a lifelong appreciation for music in a supportive and inspiring environment.
String Instrument Group The String Instrument Group at Lugarno Public School invites students to explore the world of violin, viola and cello. This ensemble nurtures musical skills, cooperation, and a passion for performance, while giving students the chance to create beautiful music together in a supportive setting.
Art Enrichment Art Enrichment at Lugarno Public School inspires students to develop their creativity and artistic skills through a range of engaging projects and techniques. The program encourages self-expression, imagination, and confidence, while fostering a love of art in a supportive and stimulating environment.
Choir The Choir Group at Lugarno Public School offers students the opportunity to develop their vocal skills, harmonise with others, and enjoy the joy of singing together. Through regular rehearsals and performances, students build confidence, teamwork, and a lifelong appreciation for music in a welcoming and encouraging environment.
Creative Writing Creative Writing Enrichment at Lugarno Public School provides students with the opportunity to explore their imagination, develop their storytelling skills, and express themselves through writing. The program fosters creativity, critical thinking, and confidence in a supportive environment that encourages a love of language and literature.
Debating Lugarno Public School's Debating program encourages students to develop critical thinking, public speaking, and persuasive skills. Through structured debates, students learn to articulate their ideas confidently and engage respectfully in discussions.
Maths Olympiad The Maths Olympiad program at Lugarno Public School challenges students to enhance their problem-solving abilities and mathematical thinking through engaging and higher-level maths problems, fostering a love for mathematics beyond the classroom.
Tech Clubs Tech Clubs at Lugarno Public School provide students with hands-on experiences in various technology-related activities, encouraging creativity, innovation, and practical skills in a fun and collaborative environment.
Robotics Enrichment The Robotics Enrichment program offers students the chance to explore coding, engineering, and robot design. This hands-on experience develops teamwork, problem-solving abilities, and a passion for STEM learning.
Premier's Spelling Bee Lugarno Public School’s participation in the Premier's Spelling Bee helps students enhance their spelling, vocabulary, and language skills through friendly competition, building confidence and a love for words.
PSSA Each semester the school offers years 3-6 students the opportunity to try out and be a member of one of the sports that then competes in an interschool competition each Friday through Public Schools Sporting Association (PSSA)
Buddies

Our Year 5 and Kindergarten Buddy Program pairs each Kindergartner with a supportive older student to help them settle into school life. Children meet their buddies . This program helps young learners become familiar with the school environment, build friendships, and develop a sense of belonging.

Buddies also model positive behaviours, support routines, and provide a friendly face throughout the early weeks of school, helping Kindergartners feel confident, safe, and connected.

Public Speaking Our students are finding their voice and building confidence through participation in school public speaking competitions. students can progress to the Georges River Network finals. We are incredibly proud of students poise, creativity and courage in representing our school and inspiring others through the power of words.
Gymnastics and Athletics Programs Our physical education programs often integrate gymnastics and/or athletics programs into our physical education curriculum through external providers visiting our school to deliver structured lessons.
Swarovski Waterschool Project LPS is a "lighthouse school" in the global Swarovski Waterschool project. Working with Earthwatch Australia, the school focuses on water education, sustainability, and environmental stewardship, including achieving recognition for a Minecraft Education Challenge project regarding local water care.
Other Interest based clubs

Gardening Club

Yoga Club

Lego Club

Across NSW
  • The Premier’s Spelling Bee promotes our students’ vocabulary development and attention to detail in competitive settings.
  • The Premier’s Sporting Challenge (PSC) promotes whole-school participation in physical activity with leadership pathways and professional learning.
  • Representative Sport:  Students who excel in a sport, whether it is within the PSSA competition, or through our swimming, athletics or cross country carnivals go on to represent our school in the Georges River Network District Carnival. Students who place in the top performers then go on to represent our network of school at the Sydney East Sports competitions..

Why choose us for your high potential or gifted child?

Recognising potential and developing talent

Our teachers find potential and nurture our students to be the best they can be.

Tailored lessons

Each student has different abilities. Teachers respond to each student’s ability by providing extra challenges and extension activities to keep learning exciting and engaging.

Rich opportunities and activities

Students can take part in opportunities to develop their talent in the arts, sport, leadership and more.

Opening doors to wider experiences

Our students can participate in a wide range of state-wide opportunities that aim to extend and enrich student potential.

Help for your high potential child

If your child shows signs of high potential, contact us. We can share how our HPGE support can guide their learning journey.

Contact us

Student opportunities and activities

Discover the opportunities our students have at our school.

Learning

Find out about our approach to learning and supporting students to progress.

Help for your high potential child

If your child shows signs of high potential, contact us. We can share how our HPGE support can guide their learning journey.

Contact us

Student opportunities and activities

Discover the opportunities our students have at our school.

Learning

Find out about our approach to learning and supporting students to progress