High Potential and Gifted Education at Springwood High School
Springwood High School's diverse student body presents both opportunities and challenges in the realm of High Potential and Gifted Education (HPGE). With students excelling in Intellectual, Creative, Social-Emotional, and Physical domains, we can offer a wide array of HPGE experiences for both students and staff.
The various HPGE initiatives available to our students aim to encompass multiple domains, including:
· Accelerated Mathematics Streams: Students in Stage 4 and 5 have access to accelerated mathematics courses, facilitated by strategic timetabling. This arrangement allows students to advance their mathematical skills while also supporting their achievements in other subjects.
· Professional Mentoring: We have engaged professional mentors, including author Katherine Jinks and Minister’s Award winner Peita Mages, to enhance student progress in English. Katherine Jinks conducted a residency at our school, focusing on HPGE students committed to creative writing. Peita Mages was hired based on our RAP data analysis, which indicated a need for support for our Year 12 HPGE students in Advanced English, while also providing equitable mentoring for Standard English students to improve essential skills for HSC exams.
· External Sports Programs: We provide a variety of external sports programs and competitions, enabling students of all ages to find success beyond the typical school, zone, and regional sports systems.
· Sporting Mentorships: Year 10 HPGE soccer students coach and mentor the Year 8 Girls' team, fostering leadership skills in a supportive environment.
· Model United Nations Participation: For the first time in over 20 years, students from Springwood High School participated in the Model United Nations, supported by their leadership development through the school's debating team. This initiative led to the team securing 2nd place in the regional competition and advancing to the National Finals in Canberra, where they ranked in the top 5, making them the highest-placed public school in the competition.
· Diverse Leadership Opportunities: We aim to provide a wide range of students with access to leadership roles, both through the formal Student Representative Council (SRC) and beyond. This includes various excursions, guest speakers, and small group programs designed to enhance student potential and confidence in the social-emotional domain.
· Transition Partnerships: Exceptional leaders from our school visit primary schools to mentor potential Year 6 Prefects and Captains. This program involves sharing high school experiences related to leadership and the election process, helping students prepare and practice their own speeches. As a result, many students who previously lacked confidence successfully applied for leadership roles and presented in front of their peers.
· Leadership Collaborations with Primary Schools: HPGE PDHPE students facilitate Athletics Carnivals for local primary schools, further enhancing their leadership skills.
· Excursions and Mentoring in CAPA and TAS: HPGE students gain exposure to high-level performances and displays through a variety of excursions and mentoring opportunities in Creative and Performing Arts (CAPA) and Technology and Applied Studies (TAS).