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?

At Coffs Harbour High School, every learner’s potential is our priority, and we challenge students to think, create, lead and grow every day. By fostering a culture of high expectations and equity in excellence, we ensure every student, regardless of background, has genuine opportunities to develop their potential.

Our school provides a wide range of supports and opportunities for high potential and gifted learners across the creative, intellectual, physical and social-emotional domains of potential, enabling every student to grow in their strengths and thrive.

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

At Coffs Harbour High School, we provide school-wide learning pathways, including enrichment classes and tailored opportunities, and we are committed to recognising and nurturing high potential and gifted students, ensuring every learner has the chance to thrive.

Year 7 and Year 8 Enrichment Classes
Academic top classes in Stage 5 English, HSIE, Mathematics, and Science.
HSC Extension courses offered in Mathematics, English, Science, and History.
Extensive subject selection and electives offered in Stages 4, 5 and 6
Stage 5 Self-Select Science classes
Stage 5 Marine Studies elective with open water snorkelling at Split Solitary Island
Stage 5 Agricultural Science and Agstravaganza Day
Stage 5 Aboriginal Studies elective
HSC Aboriginal Studies course offered in Stage 6
University study options in Stage 6
Atomi HSC support program in Stage 6

Our teachers identify students' learning needs in the classroom and use evidence-informed teaching practices to challenge and extend students.

Differentiated tasks and teaching strategies that adjust pace and complexity to encourage higher-order thinking and build capacity in HPGE students
Explicit teaching of critical thinking and problem-solving strategies.
Formative assessment to monitor growth and adapt learning
High expectation pedagogy
Curriculum embedded enrichment, extension, and problem-solving activities

Across our school

Enrichment and Special Interests

Our school recognises that every student is individual, and we provide flexible and diverse opportunities for students to explore and grow their strengths outside the classroom.

INSPIRE Program
Robotics Groups
Mathematics Incursions.
Author Talks and Writing Workshops
Aboriginal Dance Group
Gumbaynggirr language classes in Year 8 and Goori group
Student Leadership is for Koori Kids (SLIKK) Program
NAIDOC celebration (organised by SLIKK members)
Rise and Shine with Jugun Elders
Cultural Excursions
Weaving Workshops
Bush Tucker Walks
Skills for Work Program
Catering activities
Budda Bowls
Beachside Baristas

Celebrating Academic Success

All our students, including high potential and gifted students, are supported and encouraged to develop their potential and showcase their success through extra-curricular competitions and opportunities.

ICAS Science Competition
ICAS Mathematics Competition
STEM Competition
Mindstorm Competition
Australian Mathematics Competition
Creative Writing Competitions
Write a Book in a Day Competition
NERAM’s Let’s Hang It Art Competition

Sporting Excellence

Our students can take part in sports training squads, coaching sessions, house competitions and differentiated Physical Education programs.

Elite Sport Pathways
CHHS Sporting Competitions

Creative and Performing Arts

Student talent is extended and celebrated through school musicals, drama groups, visual arts showcases, music ensembles and creative writing groups.

School Musical Performance
Musical Ensembles
The creation, rehearsal and performance of musical ensembles and bands. Students in these groups develop production, promotion and performance skills and have the opportunity to showcase their music at school events and assemblies, primary school pop-up performances, regional eisteddfods and battle of the band’s competitions.
Exhibition and Performance
CAPA Exhibition and Performance Evenings evenings are held each term to showcase excellence across creative subjects.
Annual CAPA Sydney Excursion
In Term 1, students can attend the annual CAPA Sydney Excursion. This excursion allows students to observe multiple musical performances, be taken to major art galleries and museums and view ArtExpress and Encore performances of Band 6 HSC students.
Local Arts and Music Excursions
Selected students are taken to artist workshops and studio sessions with local industry experts.
Community Arts Initiatives
Participation in local community arts initiatives. Past examples include the Mulga Mural at Coffs Central.
Yarilla Arts and Museum
Throughout the year, selected students are taken on regular excursions to Yarrila Arts and Museum. These excursions enable students to view and experience local and international artists' work and engage critically with curatorial practice and display – core aspects of the professional art world.