High Potential and Gifted Education
Some children learn quickly, think deeply or show remarkable strengths in areas such as creativity, problem-solving, leadership or sport. At Manly Vale Public School, we recognise these talents early and nurture them with care, curiosity and challenge. Our teachers provide rich, engaging learning experiences and tailored opportunities that stretch advanced learners while keeping them motivated and joyful in their learning. Through extension groups, enrichment programs and personalised support, we help high-potential students grow confidently, thrive academically and shine in the areas where they are strongest.
Why choose us for your high potential or gifted child?
Recognising potential and developing talent
We look for the spark in every child and nurture it with care. Our teachers notice students’ strengths early and create opportunities for them to grow, stretch and shine in meaningful ways.
Tailored lessons
Every advanced learner is unique, so we design learning that matches their abilities and interests. Through thoughtful challenge, extension tasks and deeper-level thinking, we help students stay engaged, inspired and excited about their learning.
Rich opportunities and activities
Students are encouraged to explore and develop their talents through diverse experiences in the arts, sport, leadership, STEM, problem-solving and more. These opportunities allow children to discover new passions and take their abilities further.
Opening doors to wider experiences
We connect students with state-wide programs, competitions and enrichment pathways that extend their learning beyond the classroom. These experiences broaden horizons, build confidence and empower students to reach their potential.
What is high potential and gifted education?
High potential and gifted education is the way we support students who show advanced understanding, fast learning, or exceptional strengths in areas such as academics, creativity, leadership or sport. At Manly Vale, we nurture these talents with care, challenge and opportunity, helping every child grow to their full potential.
We do this through:
- Purposeful, evidence-based effective teaching strategies that provides enrichment, extension and (where appropriate) acceleration
- Tailored In-class support that stretches and inspires advanced learners while keeping learning meaningful and joyful
- Access to a rich range of opportunities—both at school and across NSW—to broaden experiences, deepen skills and fuel student passions
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
Students at MVPS access high-potential learning both in the classroom and beyond it, with school-based initiatives and state-wide programs that stretch, inspire and extend their talents.
At Manly Vale Public School, high potential and gifted education is part of our everyday teaching. Our teachers recognise students’ strengths early and use evidence-informed strategies to stretch, challenge and inspire them. We offer meaningful enrichment and extension opportunities, supportive classroom environments and learning experiences that encourage creativity, critical thinking and personal growth. Our staff engage in ongoing professional learning to ensure advanced learners are nurtured, valued and able to thrive.
- 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.
- Debating
- STEM and coding clubs
- Academic competitions
- Critical thinking workshops
- School musicals
- Music ensembles: Junior, Intermediate and Senior Band
- Visual arts and drama showcases
- Creative writing groups
- Sport teams
- Peer Support
- Student leadership (SRC)
- Wellbeing programs
Our students have access to an exciting range of statewide and Department of Education programs designed to stretch thinking, build confidence and enrich their talents. From creative arts and public speaking to STEM challenges and high-level mathematics, these opportunities allow students to shine beyond the classroom.
Children at Manly Vale participate in programs such as the Arts Unit’s Arts Alive, Pulse Alive, and the Festival of Choral and Instrumental Music, as well as the Game Changer Challenge, APSMO Maths Olympiad, Australian Maths Competition, Premier’s Spelling Bee, Premier’s Multicultural Public Speaking, Premier’s Debating Challenge, What Matters? Writing Competition, and the Bear Pit Public Speaking Competition.
We support families with information, nominations and entries, ensuring that every student with interest or potential has the chance to be involved and extend their learning on a broader stage.
MVPS Band
Our Band Program is a vibrant and cherished part of school life at Manly Vale. With three ensembles, Junior, Intermediate and Senior Band, students of all skill levels have the opportunity to learn an instrument, grow their musicianship and experience the joy of performing as part of a team.
Throughout the year, our bands take part in workshops, band camps, community events and both formal and informal performances. Students learn dedication, collaboration and confidence as they fine-tune their skills and work towards shared musical goals.
The program is a wonderful blend of hard work, creativity and fun, and our musicians achieve incredible results, both individually and together. Most importantly, students form strong friendships, build lasting memories and experience the pride that comes from being part of something truly special.
Debating
Debating is a vibrant and exciting opportunity for students who enjoy speaking, thinking on their feet and working as part of a team. Interested students are invited to try out at the beginning of the year, and from these auditions one to two school teams are formed. Our debaters learn how to build strong arguments, listen respectfully, collaborate with teammates and present their ideas with confidence and clarity. Throughout the year, teams compete in a range of inter-school competitions, proudly representing Manly Vale with thoughtful reasoning, teamwork and spirited school pride.
Premier's Reading Challenge
Each year, our students proudly take part in the Premier’s Reading Challenge, a statewide initiative that encourages children to discover the joy of reading. The challenge inspires students to explore a wide range of high-quality literature, build reading stamina and develop a lifelong love of books.
With the support of our teachers and library team, students set personal reading goals, share recommendations with friends and celebrate their progress along the way. Completing the challenge is an exciting achievement, and many of our students participate year after year, growing as readers and embracing the magic that stories bring to their learning.
STEM Club
Our STEM Club gives curious and creative thinkers the chance to dive deeper into science, technology, engineering and mathematics through hands-on challenges, problem-solving tasks and real-world investigations. Students might build prototypes, code robots, explore engineering concepts or work together on exciting design projects that stretch their thinking.
Teachers identify students who show strong curiosity, creative problem-solving or a passion for STEM learning, inviting them to take part in this enriching program. STEM Club not only extends students academically, it builds teamwork, resilience and confidence as they explore new ideas and discover just how fun innovation can be.
Maths Olympiad
Manly Vale Public School proudly competes in the APSMO Maths Olympiad each year, with our students consistently placing in the top 10% nationally for the past three years. Their achievements have earned the school a well-deserved award, and a trophy that celebrates their hard work, teamwork and mathematical thinking. Great job Mrs Johnston!
We also invite students to take part in Maths Games, Maths Quest, and Maths Explorer, giving younger learners the chance to stretch their thinking, build confidence and discover the joy of mathematical problem-solving. These programs nurture early talent, spark curiosity and help students develop a genuine love of maths from the very beginning of their school journey.
Art Shack!
Art Shack is one of our most loved creative programs at Manly Vale. Each stage is offered its own dedicated lunchtime art class, where students are selected by their teachers to explore and extend their artistic skills in a supportive, inspiring environment. Guided by experienced teachers who adore art and champion creativity, students experiment with techniques, materials and ideas that encourage confidence, imagination and joyful expression.
Throughout the year, students develop a body of work that culminates in our much-anticipated MVPS Art Expo; a vibrant celebration of creativity where families and the wider community are invited to admire the incredible talent across our school. Many pieces are also submitted to local exhibitions, giving students the excitement of showcasing their work beyond the school gates.
Art Shack is a place where students feel encouraged, valued and proud of their creativity; a space to grow, take risks, and shine.
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
Discover the opportunities our students have at our school.
Learning
Find out about our approach to learning and supporting students to progress.