High potential and gifted education (HPGE)
At Forbes High School, every learner’s potential is our priority. Many students have high potential, and we help that potential to grow into something powerful. We challenge our students to think, create, lead and grow every day.
Our school is a place of diversity and opportunity, where every learner belongs. We foster a culture of high expectations and equity in excellence, ensuring every student, regardless of background, has opportunities to develop their potential into talent.
We are committed to developing high potential across 4 domains: creative, intellectual, physical and social-emotional.
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.
What is high potential and gifted education?
High potential and gifted education (HPGE) is how our school supports students with advanced learning needs.
We do this through:
- effective teaching strategies like enrichment, extension and acceleration
- tailored support during lessons that stretch, challenge and inspire
- access to a wide range of opportunities both within and beyond our school.
Our high potential and gifted education opportunities
Our students engage with HPGE education in the classroom, in our school, and across NSW.
Our classroom practices support and extend high potential and gifted students.
- Individualised pathways including acceleration where appropriate.
- Explicit teaching practices targeting individual needs.
- We offer differentiated tasks that adjust pace, complexity and higher-order thinking
- Extensive subject selection and electives in Stages 4, 5 and 6
- Extension Mathematics, English, History, Science and Music in HSC
- Aboriginal Nginhagu dance group
- Year 10 Study Skills Program
Our school offers a range of whole-school programs that support student growth.
- HPGE talent identification, assessment and development
- Student Representative Council (SRC)
- ANZAC, Remembrance Day and NAIDOC assemblies
- Peer Support
- STEM Club
- MADD Night
- Sports Squads
- Sport House Captains
- School Band
- School Choir
- Art competitions
- Agricultural Show team
- Debating and Public Speaking competitions
- Junior AECG
- TAFE partnerships
- Homework Centre
- Student Mentoring program
- Community partnerships
- Transition programs
Our students participate in a wide range of programs to extend their potential.
- Schools Spectacular
- The Premier’s Sporting Challenge
- Drama ensembles and camps
- Pulse Alive
- Geography competitions
- Knock out sports
- Debating and Public Speaking Competitions
Academic competitions
Academic competitions such as the National Geography Competition, provide students with opportunities to challenge their knowledge, extend their learning, and engage with complex problems beyond the classroom. These competitions foster critical thinking, problem-solving, and intellectual curiosity across a range of disciplines. By participating, students develop resilience, strategic thinking, and a passion for academic excellence, enriching their educational experience and connecting them with like-minded peers.
The Premier’s Sporting Challenge
The Premier’s Sporting Challenge provides students with opportunities to engage in physical activity that supports their overall well-being and balanced development. This initiative encourages participants to set personal fitness goals, embrace teamwork, and develop resilience through regular exercise and sport. By integrating the Challenge into the HPGE program, students enhance not only their physical health but also skills such as discipline, focus, and perseverance, complementing their intellectual growth with holistic wellbeing.
MADD Night
MADD Night is a creative showcase that highlights the exceptional talents of high potential and gifted students in Music, Art, Drama, and Dance. This event offers students a unique opportunity to explore and develop their artistic abilities in a supportive environment that values innovation and expression. MADD Night fosters collaboration, critical thinking, and confidence, enriching the HPGE program by nurturing creativity alongside academic excellence.
Debating and Public Speaking
Debating and public speaking programs empower students to develop advanced communication, critical thinking, and persuasive skills. These opportunities encourage students to articulate ideas clearly, engage confidently in discussions, and consider diverse perspectives. Through participation in debates and speeches, students enhance their ability to reason logically, build self-confidence, and become effective leaders, complementing their academic strengths with strong interpersonal and presentation abilities.
Pulse Alive
Pulse Alive is a vibrant celebration of creativity, connection, and opportunity in the performing arts, showcasing thousands of singers, dancers, actors, and musicians from NSW public schools. This dynamic event unites students from metropolitan, regional, rural, and remote areas, celebrating diversity, promoting inclusion, and nurturing a profound sense of belonging.
CAPA Program
Our CAPA program provides students with an enriching opportunity to explore and develop their talents across the creative and performing arts. Through engaging activities in music, dance, drama, and visual arts, students enhance their creative thinking, communication skills, and self-expression. This program encourages collaboration and confidence as students showcase their talents in school performances and exhibitions.
Junior AECG
The Junior Aboriginal Education Consultative Group (Junior AECG) is a student-led initiative that empowers Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander students to voice their opinions in education. Students develop leadership skills, confidence, and a connection to their culture. The group fosters a supportive environment for sharing ideas and advocating for cultural inclusion, enhancing learning environments. Through engagement, students contribute to positive changes in our school and gain valuable experiences for personal growth and future opportunities.
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.
High potential and gifted education program
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.