High potential and gifted education (HPGE)

Maths Olympiad success

The Picnic Point Public School Maths Olympiad teams have demonstrated outstanding achievement with both teams scoring in the top 25% in this year’s competition. Participants from across Years 3–6 have taken on complex problem-solving challenges that require creativity, persistence, and deep mathematical thinking.

Through the Maths Olympiad program, our High Potential and Gifted students have been extended beyond the regular classroom curriculum and encouraged to apply advanced reasoning strategies to unfamiliar problems. Students have shown great enthusiasm and engagement throughout the program and refine their problem-solving techniques. We are proud of all participants for their grit and motivation.

Success in the Premier’s Spelling Bee

We are delighted to celebrate Jeremy’s outstanding achievement representing Picnic Point Public School at the Premier’s Spelling Bee State Final. Demonstrating high potential in the intellectual domain, Jeremy displayed an extensive vocabulary, strong focus, and the ability to apply his knowledge under pressure, winning the Stage 3 school and regional rounds of the competition.

His success reflects his personal effort and commitment to learning, as well as the support of his teacher and peers who have encouraged his interest in language and learning.

Musical talent recognised at the Conservatorium of Music

Four of our talented band students, Brendan, Sarah, Angela and Daniel, were selected to perform at the prestigious Symphonic Winds Concert at the Conservatorium of Music. This exciting achievement recognises their dedication, creativity, and commitment to developing their musical skills.

Demonstrating high potential in the creative domain, Brendan’s musical talent has been nurtured and inspired solely through our school band program since Year 4, when he first began playing the trumpet. His selection highlights both his personal effort and the strength of our school’s talent development initiatives, which nurture students’ abilities and provide pathways for them to excel in their areas of passion.

Creating connection through creativity and leadership

Demonstrating high potential in both the creative and social emotional domains, Indy is a talented and creative student whose achievements in the visual arts and leadership have greatly enriched our school community.

A 2023 Mil-Pra Award winner, Indy created the ‘visual Acknowledgement of Country’ artwork displayed in our front office and designed the Aboriginal Ambassador badge for future student leaders. As our school’s first Aboriginal Ambassador, she proudly represents her culture and community, inspiring others through her creativity, leadership, and cultural pride. Indy was also recognised for her achievements as an outstanding individual from our local community in the NSW Parliament by Kylie Wilkinson MP, State Member for East Hills. We are so proud of you Indy!

Peer tutoring in mathematics – Building reasoning and problem solving skills

Our Opportunity Class students take on the role of peer mentors in a weekly tutoring program designed to support and extend learning in mathematics. Working with selected Year 3 students, they help teach strategies for solving complex mathematical problems.

This ongoing program provides valuable opportunities for both groups of students. The Year 3 participants are developing confidence and new approaches to mathematical thinking, while the Opportunity Class mentors are extending their own ability to reason, justify and communicate their mathematical understanding.

Through regular collaboration and shared learning, the program is strengthening mathematical understanding and building a culture of curiosity, persistence, and excellence in problem solving across the school.

Basketball success – Celebrating talent and teamwork

Our school’s comprehensive basketball program continues to go from strength to strength, fostering student talent through weekly Basketball Academy training and competition. Supported by a team of dedicated teachers, students are encouraged to develop their skills, teamwork, and a lifelong love of physical activity. The program not only supports skill development but also provides a pathway for talented athletes to excel at higher levels of competition.

We are proud to acknowledge two outstanding athletes, Ve’a and Taiana, who have both achieved representative success, competing at the NSW State Basketball championships with the Sydney South West team. Their achievements reflect the strength of our basketball program and their own passion and commitment to the sport.

Harley shines in public speaking

Public speaking is a long-standing strength of our school. We offer opportunities for students to develop confidence, creativity, and persuasive communication, showcasing their skills beyond the classroom through a range of public speaking competitions.

This year, Harley proudly represented our school at the Multicultural Perspectives Public Speaking Competition regional finals, following her outstanding performance at the district level competition, where her ability to engage an audience, articulate ideas clearly, and speak with passion and purpose earned her well deserved recognition. Her success highlights the strength of our public speaking program and our commitment to fostering articulate and confident communicators.