HPGE Support at Farrer
Farrer supports High Potential and Gifted Education (HPGE) through a whole-school approach that includes:
Differentiated Teaching and Learning
Our teachers plan with variable learning needs in mind, embedding enrichment and extension tasks, open-ended challenges and opportunities for accelerated learning within the curriculum.
- Graded classes Years 7-10
- Differentiated tasks that adjust pace, complexity and higher-order thinking
- Formative assessment to monitor growth and adapt learning
- Advanced learning pathways
- 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
- Flexible grouping for collaborative ideation and presentation
- Supportive learning environments that enable exploration and self-assessment
- Strengths-based feedback and goal setting
- Opportunities for leadership within the classroom and across the school
- Structured peer collaboration and reflection.
- Safe learning environments that encourage confidence, risk-taking, and perseverance
- Stage 6 Advanced and Extension English and Mathematics Classes
- Commerce School Market Day
- HSC Exam Technique and Revision Workshops
- PASS Coaching Primary School Students
- Agricultural Centre of Excellence
Enrichment Opportunities
Students can participate in competitions such as:
- Creative and performing arts showcases
- Debating and Public Speaking Competition
- ICAS Assessments and other academic competitions
- Leadership and community initiatives
- Livestock showing programs
- National History Competition
- Photography Competition
- Premier's Reading Challenge
- Robotics and STEM challenges
- Science and Engineering Challenge
- Technology innovation at UNE
In addition, students are offered opportunities to engage in community-based initiatives and learning experiences, including:
- Agricultural Careers Expo
- Hosting the annual Food and Fibre Day,
- Gardening at primary schools,
- TAFE shearing school
- Farm Vehicle Safety & Chem Cert courses
- White Card Training
These opportunities allow students to expand their skills outside the classroom
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Sport, Wellbeing and Leadership Programs
Sporting pathways and structured wellbeing programs support students to excel physically, socially and emotionally. Leadership roles, including the prefect system and community service engagements, cultivate confidence and interpersonal strengths.
- Aboriginal Programs
- Library Book Club & Games Day
- ODAS
- Peer Support Leadership Program
- Rock’n Science Club
- School Open Day and Experience Days
- SLAP Year 12 Mentor Program – individual student mento
- Student Representative Council
- Year 6 into 7 transition days
- Year 7 Orientation Camp
- Year 9 Rite Journey Program
- Year 10 Futureman Program
- Year 11 Leadership Camp
In addition to the sporting programs offered at Farrer, students can compete in key events including:
- School Carnivals - Athletics, Swimming and Cross Country
- Combined High Schools and NSW All-Schools Sport Competitions, including North-West, Greater Western, NSWCHS and Australian Sport Representation
Boarding and the HPGE Environment
For boarding students, daily life provides extended opportunities for independence, collaboration and personal growth. Boarding routines, responsibilities and shared living contribute to time management, self‑discipline, social and emotional maturity reinforcing the aims of HPGE across every aspect of school life. Staff work closely with families to ensure that boarding supports both wellbeing and talent development.
Across day and boarding settings, Farrer’s culture, facilities and specialised agricultural context create a rich environment for students to explore interests, develop talents and take on new challenges.
