High potential and gifted education

At James Fallon High School, our teachers are committed to delivering rich, challenging and engaging learning experiences that extend and inspire our high-potential learners. We focus on nurturing student strengths, encouraging curiosity, and creating an environment where every student is supported to achieve their personal best.

To broaden the opportunities available to our advanced learners, we proudly partner with programs such as Aurora College. Through this collaboration, students can access specialised courses and learning experiences that go beyond the traditional classroom, offering pathways once limited to larger metropolitan schools.

No matter where they begin, our high-potential students at James Fallon High School are given the chance to excel, explore meaningful challenges, 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?

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

Differentiated tasks that adjust pace, complexity and higher-order thinking.
Formative assessment to monitor growth and adapt learning.
Explicit teaching of critical thinking and problem-solving strategies.
Opportunities for abstraction, inquiry, and curriculum depth.
Tasks that promote choice, authenticity, and critical and creative thinking including cross-curricular projects.
Flexible grouping for collaborative ideation and presentation.
Differentiated movement tasks and skill refinement in PDHPE.
Targeted learning goals for coordination, agility, and control.
Opportunities to take on lead roles in physical demonstrations or team strategy.
Supportive learning environments that enable exploration and self-assessment.
Strengths-based feedback and goal setting.
Opportunities for leadership within the classroom.
Structured peer collaboration and reflection.
Safe learning environments that encourage confidence, risk-taking, and perseverance.

Across our school

SPARK STEM & Robotics Program
Designed for students who show exceptional strengths in critical thinking, creativity and STEM learning. Through hands-on challenges and robotics experiences, students extend their abilities and engage in advanced problem-solving.

Agriculture: Shows, Competitions & Animal Husbandry
A rich program for students excelling in processing information, practical learning and real-world application. Students participate in agricultural shows, work with livestock, and develop high-level industry skills.

Science Competitions & Extension Opportunities
For students with high potential in scientific reasoning, inquiry and experimentation. Students engage in state and national science competitions and explore advanced scientific concepts beyond the classroom.

Next Level: Talented Sports Program
A program for students who demonstrate exceptional gross motor skills, athletic talent and a strong commitment to physical development. Students receive high-quality coaching and connections with sporting organisations.

WorldSkills VET & Industry Pathways
Tailored for students with strong real-world learning abilities and industry-aligned interests. Participants undertake VET courses and prepare for WorldSkills competitions, gaining hands-on experience.
Benefits for students: Strengthens employability skills, builds career-ready confidence, and connects students with industry professionals and post-school pathways.

Mathematics Competitions & Extension Pathways
Ideal for students with advanced mathematical reasoning and problem-solving skills. Opportunities include competitions, optional extension tasks, and the ability to self-select advanced courses in Years 9 and 10.

Big Picture Learning Through Internships
Students with strong real-world, entrepreneurial and community-based learning skills are supported through internships, mentor partnerships and personalised learning design.

Diverse Learning HPGE Adjustments & Classroom Partnerships
Ensures that students with high potential across any domain receive the right adjustments and support in every classroom, in partnership with KLA teams.

Creative & Performing Arts – Building Community Program
For students who excel in creativity, performance, expression and collaboration. Students participate in major works, performances, workshops and community arts events.

Debating & Public Speaking Program
Designed for students who show strong verbal communication, leadership and persuasive speaking skills. Students engage in competitions, workshops and guided practice.

Across NSW

Participation in (state/regional) drama ensembles promotes character exploration, storytelling and expressive freedom for our Stage 5 high potential and gifted drama students.
Participation in state-wide dance ensembles develops our high potential and gifted Stage 5 dance students’ technical skills, performance presence and physical expressiveness.