High potential and gifted education

At Cootamundra High School, High Potential and Gifted Education lives in everyday practice. We are committed to recognising and nurturing high potential and gifted students, ensuring every student has the opportunity to thrive at our school.

• Our supportive classroom environments promote a sense of belonging and encourage risk-taking, creativity and collaboration.
• Groups are flexible for collaboration and presentation, students take lead roles, and feedback is strengths-based with clear goals and self-assessment.
• Students learn from tasks that promote choice, authenticity, and critical and creative thinking​ including cross-curricular projects.
• When evidence shows a need for more, students are extended and have the opportunity to access advanced pathways.
• We measure impact, not anecdotes, through student work, reflections and progress checks.

• High Potential Class - a class focused on high expectations for learning and opportunity, selected through a intensive application process.
• Stage 2 - HGPE Performing and Virtual Arts Transition
• Stage 3 - HGPE STEM Transition
• Collaboration with Partner Schools to assess the unique learning needs of incoming students
• All our students, including high potential and gifted students, are encouraged to take on leadership roles through Student Representative Council leadership, mentoring programs and peer coaching and leadership of major events including ANZAC, Remembrance Day and NAIDOC assemblies.
• NSW Virtual STEM Academy - a STEM Enrichment program initiative designed to provide innovative high-impact STEM learning opportunities.
• Creative and Performing Arts - The school has a successful dance program that has been repeatedly successful in gaining entry to School Spectacular, Riverina Dance Festival, Pulse Alive
• Chess Club
• Riverina Conservatory of Music Strings Ensemble
• Deadly Pathways
• UOW Discovery Day
• UC Aspire
• Sport - Canola Cup, Touch Carnival, Beach Volleyball
• Junior Aboriginal Education Consultative Group
• Leadership Camps and Doves Youth Forums
• REROC Leadership Camp
• Writing - Award winning entries to the Jugiong Writer's Festival and ANZAC Day Writers competition
• Show Team - Our show team has been successful in showing and judging and cattle at shows across the state and has developed the Acacia Speckle Park Stud
• Build a Bridge - local STEM workshop for aspiring engineers
• Aviation Next Level Careers
• Science and Engineering Challenge
• Aurora College access for students studying highly academic courses
• Aurora College HSC Study Days
• Engage University Outreach

• Participation in Schools Spectacular
• Our students continue to participate in many competitions including gala days, combined high schools knock out competitions and selection through to zone, regional and state carnivals. Regional trials (Riverina) for selection in a large variety of sports - team and individual.
• Opportunities to collaborate with current and emerging leaders, including the Parliament of NSW's Regional Roadshow.