Inspire – High potential and gifted education
Some students learn faster and more easily than others. These students may shine in creativity, thinking, leadership or sport.
At our school, we recognise and nurture these strengths early. We support advanced learners with great lessons and activities to help them grow and thrive.
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?
Inspire – 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.
At Smalls Road Public School, Inspire – High potential and gifted education (HPGE) is embedded in everyday classroom practice. We recognise that high potential exists across all students and can be demonstrated in different ways and at different times. Our approach focuses on developing talent over time through explicit teaching, high expectations, and purposeful differentiation.
Talent Development Approach
Our classroom practices are guided by a talent development approach guided by Gagné’s Differentiated Model of Giftedness and Talent. This model recognises the difference between students’ natural abilities (giftedness) and the skills and performance they develop over time (talent). Teachers intentionally design learning experiences that provide appropriate challenge, depth, and complexity, enabling students to move from potential to achievement.
Differentiation as Core Practice
Differentiation is the primary way we support students with high potential and giftedness in the classroom. Teachers plan and implement evidence-based adjustments to learning intentions, success criteria, tasks, and assessment to ensure students are working at an appropriate level of challenge. This may include curriculum compacting, extension and enrichment tasks, flexible grouping, and opportunities for deeper investigation.
Formative Assessment and Data-Informed Teaching
Teachers use a range of formative assessment strategies (ongoing checks for understanding, student self-assessment, observation, and targeted assessment tools) to identify strengths, learning needs, and growth over time. This information is used to adjust teaching, provide targeted feedback, and ensure learning remains engaging and appropriately challenging.
High Expectations and Explicit Teaching
High expectations are embedded in lesson design through clear learning intentions, success criteria, and explicit teaching of skills and strategies. Students are encouraged to think critically and creatively, make connections across learning areas, and reflect on their progress. This supports resilience, motivation, and a strong sense of learner agency.
Inclusive and Supportive Learning Environments
Classroom environments at SRPS promote belonging, curiosity, and risk-taking. Students are supported to collaborate, share ideas, and take increasing responsibility for their learning. Teachers foster positive relationships and create conditions where students feel confident to extend themselves academically and socially.
At Smalls Road Public School, we offer a range of extra- and co-curricular opportunities that support the development of high potential and gifted students across the intellectual, creative, social–emotional, and physical domains. These opportunities complement classroom learning and provide authentic contexts for extension, performance, leadership, and growth.
Intellectual and Academic Extension
Students with strengths in academic learning may access enrichment and extension opportunities that promote depth, challenge, and critical thinking. These include SPECTRA Science, extension mathematics, chess, and participation in writing and poetry competitions, allowing students to explore complex ideas, problem-solve, and build confidence as learners.
Creative and Performing Arts Opportunities
Creative talents are nurtured through performance-based and creative groups including band, choir, and dance groups. Students also participate in high-profile performance opportunities such as the Sydney North Dance Festival and the Ryde Schools Performing Arts Festival, where selected students perform at iconic venues including the Sydney Opera House. These experiences support artistic development, confidence, and engagement with authentic audiences.
Leadership and Social–Emotional Development
Leadership development is supported through structured and progressive opportunities across the school. Students in Years 2–6 may participate in the Student Representative Council (SRC), developing student voice, responsibility, and advocacy.
In Year 5, students participate in the Burn Bright Leadership Program, which focuses on coaching, mentoring, and developing communication and leadership skills in preparation for the Year 6 leadership election process.
Stage 3 students may also be selected to represent the school in the Ryde Network Student Voice group, a network-based initiative where two students collaborate with peers from local schools.
In Year 6, students may take on formal leadership roles including School Captains, Prefects, and House Prefects, applying and extending the skills developed through earlier leadership opportunities.
Physical Talent Pathways
Students with strengths in sport are supported through competitive and representative opportunities, including PSSA sport and zone representation pathways. Students may also participate in external mentoring programs such as Goal College, where they are mentored by older peers in high school to develop skills, goal-setting, and resilience.
Across all domains, opportunities are flexible and responsive, recognising that high potential can emerge in different ways and at different times. Through a broad range of extra- and co-curricular experiences, Smalls Road Public School supports students to develop their strengths, pursue interests, and engage meaningfully with their learning community.
Smalls Road Public School supports students to participate in selected statewide and national opportunities that provide pathways beyond the school and enable students to engage in challenge alongside peers across NSW.
Students with strengths in sport may be supported to access individual sport trials pathways through NSW PSSA, with opportunities to progress through zone, area, and state levels across a range of sports.
Students may also participate in external academic and creative competitions that are open to students across NSW and Australia, including The Premier’s Spelling Bee and the Dorothea Mackellar Poetry Awards.
Through these opportunities, students are supported to extend their talents beyond the classroom and pursue pathways aligned to their strengths and interests.
Zone Athletics Carnival – Outstanding Achievements by Smalls Road Public School Students
Congratulations to all the students who represented Smalls Road Public School at the Zone Athletics Carnival held at Homebush Olympic Park on Monday, 17 August. Our team of 34 students demonstrated pride, determination, resilience, and exceptional sportsmanship, consistently encouraging and supporting both their teammates and competitors.
We are thrilled to announce that 11 of our students have performed at an outstanding level in their events and have been selected to represent the Ryde Zone at the upcoming Metropolitan North Athletics Carnival. Their dedication and hard work have truly paid off.
Special congratulations to the following students for their remarkable achievements:
- Tyler: 1st place in 100m
- Kai: 1st place in high jump and 2nd place in shot put
- Sachkirt: 2nd place in 100m and 1st place in 200m
- River: 2nd place in 100m and 3rd place in 200m
- Ethan: 1st place in discus, setting a new zone record
- Junior Boys Relay Team: 1st place
- Senior Girls Relay Team: 2nd place
We extend our best wishes to all students progressing to the next level. We are proud of your achievements and look forward to cheering you on at the Metropolitan North Athletics Carnival!
Wanderers Soccer Gala Day Success
Congratulations to our selected Year 6 soccer girls' who remained undefeated at the Wanderers Gala Day (19 Aug 26). The team achieved outstanding victories with scores of 11-0, 5-0, 8-1 and 4-1.
The girls had a fantastic day and proudly represented Smalls Road Public School. Throughout the event, they displayed exceptional sportsmanship, encouraging not only each other but also their opponents.
Following their impressive performance, the team will progress to the finals to be held on September 9th. We wish them the best of luck as they continue their journey.
We celebrate the team for their dedication, teamwork and positive attitude. Well done!
Ryde Schools Public Speaking Competition – Congratulations to Jesse!
We are proud to announce that Jesse, representing Smalls Road Public School, was a finalist in the inaugural Ryde Schools Public Speaking Competition, hosted by Jordan Lane MP. The finals took place at NSW Parliament House, where Jesse delivered a compelling 5-minute speech addressing a key issue facing young people, along with thoughtful solutions on how the government can work towards resolving it.
Jesse spoke passionately about the need for increased government funding in public schools for musical instruments, advocating for all students to have the opportunity to learn a musical instrument through school. His genuine passion for the creative and practical arts strongly supported the powerful delivery of his arguments.
In addition to the prepared speech, finalists were challenged to present an impromptu speech on the topic: "Should young people have more of a say on decisions government make?" Jesse responded with confidence and insight, showcasing his skills and poise.
Jesse’s participation exemplifies pride and excellence, and we congratulate him on this outstanding achievement. Well done!
Zone 1500m - Aug 2026
On Thursday, 6th August 2026, the Zone Athletics 1500m event took place at Dunbar Park, where our talented runners delivered impressive performances. Congratulations to our Junior boys Logan P, who finished 9th, and Ollie N, who placed 10th. We are especially proud of Junior girl Savanna P, who secured an outstanding 2nd place. In the Senior girls category, Zoey M finished 4th and Lani N came in 7th. Our Senior boy Sacha V also competed with great determination.
We commend all participants for their dedication, effort, and sportsmanship throughout the competition. A special best of luck to Savanna as she advances to represent Smalls Road Public School at the Sydney North Area carnival on Monday, 21st September 2026.
Premier's Spelling Bee Regional Finals - Aug 2026
A big congratulations to Aydin S and Liam E who proudly represented Smalls Road Public School at the NSW Spelling Bee Regional Finals on Thursday 6th August. Competing against 31 other schools from across Sydney, they tackled challenging words with growing difficulty.
We are incredibly proud of Aydin and Liam’s confidence, courage, and dedication throughout the competition. Well done to both of you for representing our school with such distinction!
Solo Performance - July 2026
The 3-6 choir has been passionately preparing for the upcoming Ryde Schools Performing Arts Festival (RSPAF), set to take place at the Sydney Opera House in October. Demonstrating dedication and teamwork, the choir recently joined a joint rehearsal at Riverside Girls' High School, where they honed their skills alongside other schools.
We are proud to celebrate Phoebe, one of our talented choir members, who was selected to audition live for a solo part during the festival. After a thrilling performance in front of an audience of around 400 people, Phoebe has been awarded a solo role, showcasing her exceptional talent and commitment. Congratulations to Phoebe on this remarkable achievement!
Congratulations to Daniella - June 2026
We are proud to announce that Daniella represented Smalls Road Public School and the Ryde/Beecroft Zone PSSA at the Sydney North Football trials on 9 June 2026. Following a highly competitive selection process involving over 72 girls from six zones across the Northern District, Daniella was selected to join the official Sydney North PSSA team.
This is a remarkable achievement, and we commend Daniella for her dedication and talent. She will now represent Sydney North at a three-day tournament later in Term 3.
Congratulations, Daniella, and best of luck in the upcoming competition!
Congratulations to all our students who represented Smalls Road Public School at the Zone Swimming Carnival. Our team demonstrated great pride and respect throughout the competition.
A special congratulations to Tyler, who achieved an outstanding result by placing second overall in his age group for the 50m freestyle. Tyler will now proudly represent the Ryde Zone at the next level of competition—a remarkable achievement.
Well done to everyone involved!
Congratulations to the winners of our School Multicultural Public Speaking Competition. We were proud to have 10 talented finalists, with 4 outstanding winners who will advance to compete in the District Final during Term 2, 2026.
We wish our skilled public speakers the very best of luck as they progress to the next level and represent our school in competition against other local students.
Congratulations, Ahaan!
We are proud to announce that Ahaan has been selected in the Ryde Zone PSSA Cricket team and will represent Sydney North at the NSWPSSA Championship, taking place from Monday 2 March to Thursday 6 March 2026. Selection at this level reflects exceptional skill, commitment and sportsmanship.
Well done, Ahaan!
2026 School Captains and Prefects.
Congratulations to our elected student leaders for 2026. Our Captains and Prefects have demonstrated exemplary public speaking skills, strong social and emotional awareness, and a commitment to citizenship. These students have developed their ability to inspire and lead their peers effectively.
In their leadership roles throughout Year 6, they will have valuable opportunities to further develop their talents and grow as future leaders.
2026 House Prefects
Congratulations to our elected House Prefects. These students were chosen for their positive attitude, leadership potential, and dedication to supporting their peers. As House Prefects, they will play a pivotal role in fostering house spirit, supporting whole-school events, and providing leadership during sporting carnivals and other school initiatives.
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.
Student opportunities and activities
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Learning
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