High potential and gifted education (HPGE)

At Lindfield Learning Village, we foster a personalised and stimulating learning environment where gifted and high potential students are explicitly taught essential skills and concepts before being encouraged to apply their knowledge creatively and independently. This balance ensures deep understanding while nurturing innovation and critical thinking. Our whole school gradual release model supports the explicit teaching approach recommended by the Department of Education, providing a clear framework that guides students from guided instruction to independent application. Students have many opportunities to apply their knowledge in systematic and structured ways that support their ongoing growth and development.

• Explicit teaching of skills: Teachers provide clear, structured instruction to help high potential students master key concepts and strategies, ensuring a strong foundation before students are encouraged to explore and apply their learning creatively.
• Differentiated learning tasks: Students choose from “mild, medium, spicy” challenge levels across subjects like Science, Geography, and English, allowing work to be tailored to each student’s strengths and interests. For example, Stage 4 and 5 Science checkpoints use this model to provide appropriate academic stretch.
• Hands-on STEM projects: Students engage in practical activities such as constructing electric motors and designing water purification models, which develop problem-solving skills and creativity alongside scientific understanding.
• Student-led masterclasses: Gifted students design and deliver mini-lessons to their peers, boosting leadership skills and confidence in presenting complex concepts.
• Personalised literacy support: Small-group literacy sessions and scaffolded writing tasks help students refine advanced language and communication skills at their own pace.

Social-emotional learning opportunities: Programs such as student portfolios and the WELLIO platform encourage students to share personal experiences, build empathy, and develop essential skills for emotional wellbeing. Student-led conferences further empower students to take ownership of their learning and growth. A key feature at Lindfield Learning Village is the integration of our Learning Characteristics framework, which supports students’ self-awareness, personal development, and goal setting.

Lindfield Learning Village adopts a whole school data-informed approach that uses evidence-based strategies to truly know our students. Literacy and Numeracy data from NAPLAN and Check-in assessments are carefully analysed to harness student strengths and identify areas for growth, ensuring targeted support and extension opportunities.  We are committed to offering a broad and diverse curriculum to support student interests and development across all stages. Our wide range of subjects and learning experiences nurture curiosity, creativity, and academic excellence, providing pathways that cater to the diverse talents and aspirations of our students.

• Enrichment programs: Students can join debating clubs, participate in weekly mathematics extension challenges, and take part in structured goal-setting workshops that foster higher-order thinking, confidence, and self-regulation.
• Collaborative learning: Activities such as jigsaw-group projects encourage peer teaching, deepen conceptual understanding, and develop teamwork skills.
• Physical wellbeing and leadership: Participation in programs like the Duke of Edinburgh Award encourages community involvement, volunteering, and personal growth in areas beyond academics.
• Student Leadership programs: In both primary and high school, Lindfield Learning Village offers student leadership programs that harness student potential to create ongoing opportunities for self-driven leadership, mentorship, and whole school coaching and public speaking. Students also have the opportunity to participate in the Metro North and Gordon Network programs, which provide additional leadership experiences beyond the school environment.

Lindfield Learning Village actively connects students with enriching statewide initiatives and external programs that broaden their horizons, expose them to new challenges, and support their development as confident and capable leaders within New South Wales.

• Competitions and challenges: Lindfield Learning Village students regularly take part in the Australian Mathematics Competition, the VEX Robotics Competitions, and other state-level academic contests, providing opportunities to benchmark skills and gain recognition.
• Performing arts and cultural events: Participation in events such as the NSW State Solo Vocal Camp and auditions for the School Spectacular lets students showcase their talents on prominent stages and develop confidence.
• Specialist external programs: Partnerships with providers in chess, dance, and other specialised areas expand learning options and refine students’ unique skills beyond the school setting.