High potential and gifted education

At Denison College, Bathurst High Campus we are committed to recognising and developing the talents of all students. Through the High Potential and Gifted Education Policy, we support students who show high potential or giftedness across intellectual, creative, social-emotional and physical domains.

Our teachers use a range of evidence-based strategies to identify students’ strengths and provide differentiated learning experiences that extend, challenge and engage. We aim to ensure that every student has access to appropriate opportunities that match their learning needs and encourage excellence.

Students may take part in enrichment and extension programs that promote critical thinking, problem solving and creativity. Learning tasks are designed to build independence, curiosity and perseverance, while also supporting wellbeing and a love of learning. We work in partnership with families to nurture students’ abilities and help them achieve their full potential. Through these approaches, we strive to ensure every student is known, valued and cared for, and that high potential and gifted learners thrive in an inclusive and supportive school environment.

What is high potential and gifted education?

iXtend -High Potential and Gifted Education Class

At Denison College, we are committed to meeting the diverse needs of all students through specialised and inclusive learning opportunities. The iXtend Program, offered at our Bathurst and Kelso campuses, is a Year 7 initiative designed to enrich and extend the learning of gifted and high-potential students. It caters to those who demonstrate exceptional intellectual and creative abilities, as well as the motivation and capacity to engage in high-level individual and group projects. iXtend provides a rigorous, stimulating environment where evidence-based teaching is tailored to unique learning needs in core subjects such as Mathematics, Science, PDHPE, History, and Geography, allowing for optimal engagement within a supportive and challenging dynamic.

In addition to core subjects, students participate in smaller, focused classes for practical subjects including Creative Arts and TAS, ensuring broad exposure and collaborative learning across disciplines. The program fosters intellectual growth, critical thinking, creativity, and resilience through project-based learning, specialist workshops, academic competitions, and university partnerships. These opportunities extend learning and encourage students to develop skills beyond the classroom.

Selection for the iXtend Program is comprehensive, considering academic performance, teacher feedback, and demonstrated potential. This process ensures that students ready for greater challenge and support are given the opportunity. iXtend reflects Denison College’s commitment to knowing, valuing, and caring for every student, empowering those with high potential to reach their personal best.