High potential and gifted education

In our classrooms

About our classrooms and learning approach

Q1: How does Meadow Flat Public School personalise learning for each student?
We use flexible learning groups and differentiation strategies to meet each student’s unique abilities and interests. Our multi-age and multi-stage classrooms create a rich environment where teaching is tailored and inclusive, helping every child to thrive.

Q2: What role do students have in their own learning?
Students are encouraged to share their ideas and take charge of their education. We believe student voice is key to motivated, meaningful learning and developing independence.

Q3: How do specialised coaching and support work?
Specialised coaching helps students build specific skills and confidence. This targeted support ensures that each learner is both challenged and supported to reach their full potential.

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Supporting gifted and high potential students

Q4: How does the school support gifted students?
Our approach follows the NSW Department of Education’s High Potential and Gifted Education (HPGE) policy. We nurture giftedness across four important areas: Creative, Intellectual, Physical, and Social-emotional domains.

Q5: What activities are available for our students?
We offer a variety of programs tailored to different talents and interests, including:

• Public speaking competitions with the Country Women's Society
• NSW Premier's challenges in spelling, sports, and reading
• Mathematics competitions like the Newcastle Permanent
• Sporting Schools programs with expert coaching in sports such as gymnastics, Australian rules football, swimming, and tennis
• Entrepreneurial skills developed via our school farm, with opportunities to showcase at the Sydney Royal Easter Show and sales to families
• Gardening club and book week challenges
• Music festivals for choirs and instrumentalists (recorders)
• STEM-based learning activities
• Opportunities for student leadership
• Podcast recording studio
• Harmonica lessons

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Our learning environment

Q6: What makes Meadow Flat Public School’s learning environment unique?
Our school fosters a supportive and dynamic culture where every student can grow holistically. We focus on every student’s strengths while encouraging a lifelong love of learning.

Q7: How does the school encourage social and emotional growth?
Alongside academic and physical development, our programs also support social-emotional learning by promoting cooperation, resilience, leadership, and wellbeing.

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Additional support and engagement

Q8: How can parents get involved or support their child’s learning?
We welcome active parent participation through school events, parent-teacher meetings, volunteer opportunities, and supporting students’ learning at home.

Q9: Who can I contact to learn more about Meadow Flat’s programs?
You can get in touch with our school office or visit us in person for detailed information about our classrooms, programs, and student support services.

Learnng community pertnerships

Q1: How does Meadow Flat Public School collaborate with other schools to support HPGE?
As a small school, we value strong partnerships within the Bathurst Small Schools network. This collaboration enables us to provide a broader range of programs and events that enrich our students’ learning experiences beyond what our size alone could offer.

Q2: What kinds of programs and events are offered through these school community partnerships?
Our students participate in a variety of collaborative opportunities such as:

• Creative and practical arts festival
• PSSA sports carnivals and pathways to representative teams through to the national level
• Dance lessons and performances
• Student leadership camps
• Subject-specific excursions aligned with key learning areas

Q3: How does Meadow Flat support students during transition periods?
We run transition programs designed to support students at key points in their learning journey. Visiting staff from Denison College Kelso High Campus and Portland Central School deliver engaging lessons that ignite student interest across the HPGE domains (Creative, Intellectual, Physical, and Social-Emotional).

Q4: What are the benefits of these partnerships for students?
These collaborative programs allow students to explore their talents, develop new skills, build self-confidence, and connect actively with their peers and wider community.

Q5: How do visiting staff enrich the learning experience?
Faculty teachers from partner schools bring fresh perspectives and specialised expertise during their visits. Their lessons are designed to engage students deeply and inspire growth across multiple domains of giftedness and potential.

Supporting students beyond our local network of schools

Q1: How does Meadow Flat Public School support student learning beyond the local school network?
Meadow Flat Public School connects with the Bathurst Small Schools network and other wider educational partnerships to provide students with enriched learning experiences. These opportunities allow students to engage in programs, events, and collaborations that extend beyond our local community, fostering broader social connections and diverse learning challenges.

Q2: In what ways does the NSW Department of Education support high potential and gifted students at the state level?
At the state level, the NSW Department of Education offers inclusive, high-quality educational opportunities designed to meet the diverse needs of high potential and gifted students. Through professional learning for educators, specialised resources, and tailored statewide programs, the Department empowers schools to nurture excellence across intellectual, creative, social-emotional, and physical domains.

Q3: What opportunities do Meadow Flat Public School students have to access specialised programs beyond the local area?
Students at Meadow Flat Public School have the opportunity to access the NSW Department of Education’s Aurora College, a virtual selective school for high potential and gifted students. Aurora College offers advanced curriculum and enrichment programs that complement our local teaching, providing students with access to expert educators and specialised courses not available within their immediate school community.

Q4: How does Meadow Flat Public School implement state-level supports to enhance student learning?
Our Principal and teachers actively implement the Department’s best practices and personalised learning strategies. This creates a dynamic and supportive learning environment that challenges every student. By aligning our teaching with state guidelines and utilising available resources, including pathways like Aurora College, we ensure our students develop their strengths and reach their full potential well beyond the local level.

Q5: What benefits do students gain from these extended learning opportunities?
Students benefit from access to a wider array of programs, expert teaching, and enriched learning experiences that inspire intellectual growth, creativity, physical wellbeing, and social-emotional development. These opportunities help prepare students for future educational pathways and lifelong learning.