High potential and gifted education

Some students learn faster, think more deeply or show exceptional talent in areas such as creativity, problem-solving, leadership or sport. At Kandos High School, we recognise and nurture these strengths early so every learner can reach their full potential.

As a small school, we know our students well. This means we can personalise learning, identify strengths quickly and provide meaningful extension opportunities. Our high potential and gifted students engage in challenging lessons, enrichment activities, academic competitions, leadership programs and community partnerships that encourage curiosity and growth.

We are committed to supporting advanced learners to grow, thrive and take confident steps into their future pathways.

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.

Self-Select Class

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 the way our school identifies and supports students with advanced learning needs. These students may demonstrate exceptional ability in areas such as academic learning, creativity, leadership or physical performance.

At Kandos High School, we provide tailored programs, enrichment opportunities and challenging learning experiences to ensure high potential and gifted students are extended, engaged and able to thrive.

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

Self-Select Class, supporting students who benefit from structured, individualised learning, curriculum depth, 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.
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

KHS Show Team
Math, Science History and English competitions
Student Cafe
School musicals
Music ensembles
Textiles, Visual and Industrial art showcases
Creative writing groups
Book Club
Chess Team
Sport teams
House competitions
Student leadership - Student Representative Council (SRC)
Wellbeing programs
Participation in whole-school inclusion and wellbeing initiatives.
Community volunteering opportunities
Pathway Programs
Music and Drama performance opportunities at whole school assemblies
Junior Aboriginal Education Consultative Group (JAECG)
Guest Speakers

Across NSW

Mathletics Competition, in which our students placed first in Australia, demonstrating exceptional mathematical reasoning and problem-solving skills.
Parliament of NSW Regional Roadshow, giving students the opportunity to engage directly with parliamentary representatives, share their ideas and learn about government, civic participation and the democratic process.
ASX Share Market Game, where students apply real-world financial skills and learn the fundamentals of investing and economic decision-making.
Australian History Competition, enriching students’ understanding of Australia’s past while developing critical thinking and deep historical knowledge.
Big Science Competition, challenging students to extend their scientific literacy, analytical thinking and curiosity about the world around them.
Max Potential, a leadership and personal development program that builds confidence, communication skills and community-focused project design.
Our STEM Enrichment Partnerships with industry and universities deepen our students’ intellectual curiosity while developing innovation and collaboration.
The Premier’s Sporting Challenge (PSC) promotes whole-school participation in physical activity with leadership pathways and professional learning.
The Representative School Sport Pathway and PSSA and CHSSA events enable our students to trial and compete in sports at regional, state and national levels, fostering discipline, commitment and collaboration.

In our Community

Junior Twin Town Players, giving students the opportunity to explore drama, performance, and behind the scenes while building confidence, creativity and teamwork through involvement in our local theatre community.
KRR.FM (Kandos Rylstone Radio), allowing students to experience real broadcasting environments, develop communication skills and share youth perspectives with the wider community.
Cementa Contemporary Arts Festival, connecting students with practising artists and innovative creative experiences that deepen cultural understanding and inspire artistic expression.
Rylstone-Kandos Show Exhibits, Committee Involvement & Volunteering, enabling students to showcase their work, engage in local traditions and contribute actively to one of the region’s largest community events.
ANZAC Day & Remembrance Day Services, where students honour local history and veterans through public participation, ceremony support and leadership within significant national commemorations.
Wollemi Art Competition, encouraging young artists to express themselves creatively while celebrating local talent and participating in a respected regional arts event.
Wollemi Singers, offering students the chance to develop vocal skills, perform publicly and be part of a collaborative, community-based music ensemble.
1st Kandos Scouts, supporting students to build resilience, leadership and practical life skills through outdoor challenges, teamwork and community service.
Touch Football, providing opportunities for skill development, teamwork and competition through local sporting pathways.
Rylstone Squash Competition, allowing students to develop physical fitness, coordination and sportsmanship while participating in a fast-paced, community-run sport.
Rylstone Roller Jujitsu, strengthening students’ confidence, discipline and physical wellbeing through structured martial arts training.
Kandos RSL Sub-Branch ANZAC Writing and Art Competition, inspiring students to reflect on history, service and remembrance through creative writing and visual arts, with recognition from the local RSL community.
Creative Community Concepts, offering students access to a wide range of sports and recreational activities that build confidence, teamwork and healthy lifestyles.
The Uncooperative, engaging students in collaborative youth-led arts, media and creative projects that strengthen critical thinking, originality and community connection.
Rylstone–Kandos Swimming Club, providing opportunities for skill development, fitness and competitive swimming through a supportive community sports pathway.