High potential and gifted education

High Potential and Gifted Education (HPGE) at Fairfield High School is built on the belief that every student deserves the opportunity to be challenged, extended and supported to achieve at the highest levels. HPGE focuses on identifying and nurturing students’ strengths across the intellectual, creative, social-emotional and physical domains.

At Fairfield High School, we provide tailored learning pathways, enrichment opportunities and targeted extension programs that empower students to excel.

Our teachers use evidence-based strategies to differentiate learning, set high expectations and monitor student growth.

We offer opportunities such as advanced coursework, academic competitions, university partnerships, leadership development, and specialised programs that extend our high-potential learners.

Through this approach, we ensure that students are not only achieving strong academic outcomes but are also developing confidence, curiosity and the skills needed to thrive in future pathways beyond school.

What does HPGE look like at Fairfield High School?

. Intellectual

The Intellectual Domain at Fairfield High School recognises and develops students’ natural abilities in reasoning, understanding, problem solving and the transfer of learning to new and complex situations. We nurture intellectual potential through rich, challenging and inquiry-based learning experiences that encourage deep thinking, curiosity and academic excellence. Students extend their capabilities through HPGE classes in Years 7–10, the iSTEM elective, and HSC Extension courses in English, History and Mathematics, as well as through participation in debating competitions, the Western Sydney University Fast Forward Program, the Premier’s Reading Challenge, and state-level completions in Mathematics, Science, History and Geography. Through these opportunities, Fairfield High School empowers students to become confident, analytical and independent learners who thrive on academic challenge and lifelong learning.

· Physical

The Physical Domain at Fairfield High School recognises and nurtures students’ natural abilities in movement, coordination, control, endurance and athletic performance. We promote physical potential through programs and pathways that develop skill, teamwork, resilience and healthy, active lifestyles. Students are supported to excel through participation in Zone, Regional and State representative sport, as well as through our High Potential Football Program in partnership with Ultimate Soccer. Our extensive training facilities—including an athletics track, weights room, gymnasium, AFL field, soccer oval, tennis courts, and basketball and netball courts—provide students with access to high-quality environments where they can refine their abilities, challenge themselves and achieve personal and sporting excellence.

· Creative

The Creative Domain at Fairfield High School recognises and nurtures students’ natural abilities in imagination, invention and originality, providing opportunities for them to express their creative potential across a wide range of learning areas. We foster curiosity, experimentation, risk-taking and original thinking through rich, authentic experiences that allow students to innovate, solve problems and communicate ideas in diverse and meaningful ways. Students engage in school performances and productions in Visual Arts and Music, explore industry pathways through VET frameworks in Entertainment and the Music Industry, and showcase their talents through initiatives such as CARE Day musical performances, the HAKA Warriors program in partnership with PCYC, Band Club, student clubs and our School Media Group. Through these opportunities, Fairfield High School empowers students to develop confidence, creativity and a strong sense of artistic and personal identity.

The Social–Emotional Domain at Fairfield High School recognises and nurtures students’ natural abilities in self-management, empathy, leadership and positive social interaction. We develop students’ capacity to build strong relationships, collaborate effectively and demonstrate resilience and confidence in a range of school and community settings. Students are empowered through leadership opportunities such as School Captains, Prefects, the SRC and Student Ambassadors, as well as through programs including the Middle Schools Program and Stage 4 Skills to Succeed. Student-led initiatives such as Lunch Club, Peer Support and the Primary School Academic Challenge further strengthen student voice, wellbeing and a strong sense of belonging, helping students to grow as compassionate, responsible and engaged members of the Fairfield High School community.

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.

In our classroom

Excellence is at the core of everything we do at Fairfield High School. We offer a broad range of HPGE programs across all KLAs to ensure that every student is given the opportunity to connect, succeed and thrive in their academic endeavours at school and in their future pathways. Staff ensure that students are provided with rich and challenging curriculum that caters to the needs of all students so that they can fulfil their aspirations of further education.

Across our school

Fairfield High School is committed to ensuring all students are offered the opportunity to reach their potential. Students are given the opportunity to participate in various extra-curricular HPGE programs that not only extend their talents and potential but showcase and celebrate their abilities to the school and community and beyond. As a school, our staff are dedicated to providing all students with equitable opportunities to succeed through authentic, engaging and inclusive programs that encompass the diverse gifts, talents and potential of our unique community.

Across NSW

We are committed to implementing the Department of Education’s HPGE policy and do this through ongoing professional development of staff, engaging in variety of curricular and extra-curricular programs and providers. We also do this through numerous partnerships with universities, challenging and rich curriculum opportunities and by supporting all of our students wellbeing throughout their journey at school.

HPGE Class (Years 7–10)

A specialised learning pathway that provides academically advanced students with rigorous curriculum extension, enriched learning experiences, and targeted support to accelerate their growth and achievement.

High Potential Football Program

A unique program that combines high-level athletic development with strong academic expectations, offering talented players specialised coaching, performance training, and pathways to professional, school and university opportunities.

School Leadership Ambassadors

A leadership initiative that nurtures students with strong social-emotional and interpersonal strengths, providing them with training, mentorship and authentic leadership experiences that empower them to represent and positively influence the school community.

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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