High potential and gifted education

At Sarah Redfern High School, we are proud to implement the NSW Department of Education’s High Potential and Gifted Education (HPGE) Policy, which celebrates the diverse talents, abilities, and aspirations of all learners. Our approach reflects our commitment to equity, inclusion, and excellence, ensuring that every student is challenged, supported, and inspired to reach their full potential.

Through authentic, evidence-informed teaching and learning practices, we nurture giftedness across multiple domains, recognising that potential extends beyond academic success to include creativity, leadership, physical performance, and social-emotional growth. Our teaching and learning approaches are designed to engage students in meaningful experiences that build confidence, curiosity, and a lifelong love of learning.

Our HPGE framework focuses on four key domains:

Creative Domain

Students are encouraged to think innovatively and express their individuality through creative problem-solving, design thinking, and artistic expression across subjects and co-curricular programs. Including, School Spectacular and Drum Club.

Intellectual Domain

High potential learners are challenged through enrichment and acceleration opportunities embedded in classroom learning and our nation-first STEAM Program, designed to inspire curiosity, foster critical and analytical thinking, and promote academic excellence.

Physical Domain

We recognise and develop students’ strengths in sport, movement, and physical performance through targeted programs such as our AFL Academy, whole-school sport, and health-focused initiatives.

Social-Emotional Domain

We prioritise student wellbeing and leadership development, cultivating resilience, empathy, and collaboration through programs such as School Leadership Pathways and various wellbeing programs such as Pacific Waves, SistaSpeak and Peer Support,

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At Sarah Redfern High School, our vision for High Potential and Gifted Education is to provide a comprehensive, student-centred approach that values the whole learner. We are committed to fostering a culture of respect, growth, and culture, empowering every student to thrive within our school and beyond.

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.

Why choose us for your high potential or gifted child?

At Sarah Redfern High School, we are proud to be recognised as a leader in High Potential and Gifted Education (HPGE). As early adopters of the NSW Department of Education’s HPGE policy since 2022, we have built a strong reputation through our nation-first STEAM Program and a whole-school approach that nurtures intellectual, creative, physical, and socio-emotional growth. Our highly trained staff are dedicated to meeting the diverse learning needs of every student, ensuring they are challenged, supported, and inspired to reach their full potential. As part of the NSW Government’s multi-million-dollar investment in the HPGE Partner School Program, Sarah Redfern High School has been selected to receive a major infrastructure upgrade, developing a state-of-the-art Innovation Hub that will foster creativity, innovation, and 22nd-century learning opportunities for all students.

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

At Sarah Redfern High School, our classrooms are vibrant, inclusive, and future-focused places where every student is encouraged to think deeply, take risks, and pursue excellence.

Learning is inquiry-driven, with students exploring authentic, real-world challenges through collaboration and innovation.
Classrooms promote creativity and critical thinking through hands-on, cross-curricular projects such as our STEAM and Culture programs.
Students take ownership of their learning, setting goals, reflecting on progress, and celebrating growth.
Flexible grouping and personalised feedback ensure that high potential and gifted learners are consistently challenged and supported.
Evidence-based practice and continuous reflection drive improvement, ensuring meaningful and measurable student growth.

Across our school

Across Sarah Redfern High School, excellence is embedded in everything we do. Our school culture celebrates diversity, innovation, and student voice, creating a community where every learner can thrive and reach their full potential.

- Learning extends beyond the classroom through programs like STEAM, AFL Academy, Creative Arts, and the Culture Program.
- Students engage in leadership, wellbeing, and community initiatives that foster confidence, empathy, and purpose.
- Our staff are highly trained and dedicated to meeting the individual needs of every student through evidence-informed practice.
- Partnerships with industry, universities, and community organisations provide authentic pathways for future success.

Across NSW

Across NSW and beyond, our students at Sarah Redfern High School engage at the highest levels of competition and collaboration. Some of our state-wide engagements include:

Students competing across zone, regional and state sport pathways, sharpening teamwork, resilience and excellence.
Our debating and public speaking teams stepping into prestigious state-wide challenges and forums.
Participation in CSIRO’s Generation STEM initiative, where students tackle real-world problems and link with industry and research.
Engagement with STEM professional-partnerships through the STEM Professionals in Schools Program, bringing expert mentors into classrooms.

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Sarah Redfern High School’s STEAM Program empowers students to think innovatively and solve real-world challenges through individualised, inquiry-based learning that integrates Science, Technology, Engineering, the Arts, and Mathematics. It fosters creativity, collaboration, and critical thinking to make a positive impact on the community and environment.

Our AFL Academy develops students’ athletic performance, teamwork, and leadership through specialised training, skill development, and game-based learning. The program combines physical education with academic excellence, promoting discipline, resilience, and a strong sense of sportsmanship both on and off the field.

Our Creative Arts Program celebrates student expression through music, dance, drama, and visual arts. Students develop confidence and creativity while showcasing their talents in performances such as School Spectacular and other community events, fostering artistic excellence and a vibrant school culture.

Sarah Redfern High School’s Culture Program strengthens students’ connection to Dharawal Country through authentic engagement with local Elders and community. Students explore identity, history, and sustainability while developing respect, empathy, and cultural understanding.

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.

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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