High Potential and Gifted Education
At our school, we are dedicated to nurturing the unique talents and abilities of our High Potential and Gifted Education (HPGE). Through the implementation of The High Potential and Gifted Education policy we are committed to supporting the talent development of all high potential and gifted students at Callala Public School. This includes using assessment and data to inform teaching across creative, intellectual, physical, and social-emotional domains, ensuring equity in access to quality learning opportunities, and providing tailored resources and support to meet diverse needs. In addition to quality differentiated teaching and learning programs. Our tailored programs and resources ensure that each student is engaged and challenged, allowing them to thrive in an environment that celebrates their individual strengths.
In the intellectual domain, we provide opportunities for students to excel through activities such as public speaking, debating and STEM initiatives that foster critical thinking and problem-solving skills. Recent programs have included the Premier’s Debating Challenge, STEM program within the community of schools network, Mathematics Olympiad and extension writing groups. In addition, we work in partnership with Aurora College, a virtual selective school servicing rural and remote students providing selective opportunity class cohort for Years 5 and 6 students. The aim is to allow students to enjoy a depth of study that was previously only available in metropolitan areas or boarding schools.
For our creative learners, we offer a vibrant array of experiences in music, dance drama and visual arts. This includes the opportunity to join the Wakakirri Dance Team culminating in a performance at eh Wollongong Entertainment Centre. In music, students can join the school choir and participate in the Shoalhaven Choral Festival, we have also supported solo artists in participating in School Spectacular. In addition to the comprehensive music curriculum, in which students in each grade learn a different musical instrument, our Year 6 students participate in rock band program, performing a song with their bands at the Year 6 Graduation Ceremony. We also have private music tutors available for students who wish to continue their musical journey. In visual arts, recent programs have included visual art HPGE groups with artworks being used for art exhibitions and competitions to encourage exploration and expression. A highlight for students is clay work using staff expertise, pottery wheel and kiln.
Our social domain initiatives are designed to build leadership and collaboration skills, with all Year 6 students involved in our leadership program. All students in Years 5 and 6 participate in the ASPIRE leadership program to develop skills in leadership and encourage those with high potential in the social domain to pursue opportunities. In addition, the school elects School Captains and Vice captains from Year 6 to represent the students. Every year our Captains attend the GRIP Leadership Conference in Wollongong with school leaders from other local schools in the area. This provides an excellent opportunity to build capacity and networking opportunities. There are also elections for Sports Captains from the Year 5 and 6 representatives of each House group. We have an active and engage Student Representative Council (SRC) with students elected form each class from Kindergarten to Year 6. The SRC have weekly meetings and provide student voice to important decisions that impact students, reporting to the principal and P&C. Additionally, our peer support and buddy program pairs Kindergarten students with Year 6 mentors to foster meaningful connections.
In the physical domain, we provide opportunities for students to excel in the physical domain. Students are encouraged to develop through active participation in knock-out competitions, PSSA sports, representative sport, and various carnivals, including swimming, athletics, and cross country. We also provide students with opportunities to represent not only the school but also the region and state in various sporting events. A highlight and unique opportunity is our Sailing Program. Students in Year 5 and 6 have the opportunity to learn how to sail with the support of the Jerivs Bay Sailing Club. This is a fantastic opportunity which has led to past students representing NSW in competitive sailing.