HPGE

‘The High Potential and Gifted Education Policy promotes engagement and challenge for every student, regardless of background, in every school across intellectual, creative, social-emotional and physical domains.’

HPGE Transition Opportunities

There are a number of days organised for Year 6 HPGE students to visit us at FGHS before the end of the year. These additional days are aimed at students who have been identified by the primary school as being high potential or gifted in one or more of the domains (Physical, Intellectual, Creative, Social Emotional).

As part of our transition program, primary school students will take part in a range of HPGE experience days designed to engage different areas of potential and interest. See the schedule below:

Creative Domain (Visual Arts Focus) – September 8
Intellectual Domain – October 20
Physical Domain – November 3
Social & Emotional Domain – November 17

Each day is tailored to provide engaging and meaningful experiences aligned with the High Potential and Gifted Education (HPGE) framework.

Please see attached information for more details.

HPGE Class Opportunity for Incoming Year 7 Students – 2026

Francis Greenway High School is excited to announce that in 2026, we will be offering incoming Year 7 students the opportunity to be part of a dedicated High Potential and Gifted Education (HPGE) class.

There will be two HPGE classes, designed for students who demonstrate potential in any of the four HPGE domains:

Creative
Intellectual
Physical
Social-Emotional

These classes will provide a supportive and challenging learning environment, tailored to help students grow and excel in their area(s) of strength.

More information about the nomination and selection process will be shared soon.

The Creative Domain

Creativity shines when students generate original ideas, explore new ways of doing things, or express themselves through the arts, design, and innovation.

Introducing the E7 Art Club

We are excited to announce the launch of our brand-new Art Club, held in E7! Open to all students who are looking for a creative outlet, the club provides a relaxed and welcoming space to explore art beyond the classroom.

Whether students are passionate about drawing, painting, digital design, or simply want to experiment with new materials, the E7 Art Club encourages everyone to come along, have fun, and let their creativity shine.

The club will run weekly, offering a variety of activities tailored to student interests, from collaborative projects and experimenting with different media, to working on personal artworks in a supportive environment.

It is the perfect opportunity for students to build their skills, share ideas with others, and enjoy the social side of making art. No experience is necessary—just a willingness to try something new and get creative!

Public Art Initiative – Year 10 Visual Arts

We’re excited to launch a new initiative that shines a spotlight on the creativity of our Year 10 Visual Arts students!

As part of this program, students will have the opportunity to display selected artworks around the school, transforming shared spaces into vibrant galleries that celebrate their talents and artistic skill.

This initiative not only showcases student work, but also encourages pride, creativity, and connection within our school community.

Keep an eye out as these incredible pieces begin to appear around the school—each one a unique expression of our students' artistic voices!

Rock Band Competition – Join Bandwidth!

Are you part of a band that plays rock, folk, blues, metal, or any other style of contemporary music?

Then we want to hear from you! This term, we’re inviting students to form a band and audition for Bandwidth – an exciting band competition hosted by HSPA.

What’s in it for you?

Perform original songs or covers with up to 20 minutes of stage time. Play in a professional setting in front of a live audience. Get feedback from industry professionals to help take your music to the next level. Whether you are seasoned performers or just starting out, this is your chance to shine.

Interested?

Head to the CAPA staffroom to register your band and show us what you've got!

FGHS Students Shine in the Hunter Arts Collection!

A huge congratulations to a selection of our talented young artmakers from Years 7, 9, and 10, whose works have been chosen for display in the prestigious Hunter Arts Collection.

Year 7 wowed audiences with their vibrant Keith Haring–inspired paintings, bursting with colour, rhythm, and movement, and carrying meaningful undertones of connectedness and humanity. Year 9 impressed with striking ceramic masks in bold Cubist style, each piece telling a personal story through signs and symbols that reflect aspects of the artists’ identities. Meanwhile, Year 10 showcased thought-provoking surrealist mixed media works, drawing inspiration from the imaginative practice of Australian surrealist artist James Gleeson.

We are incredibly proud of these students for sharing their creativity, skill, and unique voices with the wider community. Bravo to our young artists — the future of the art world is in very good hands!

Year 7 artists: Amalia King, Laila Davison, Mikayla Jones, Phoebe Patterson, Bella Woodhouse and Tearo Te Rangi.

Year 9 artists: Georgia Mildren, Danikah Dollin, Halle McIntyre, Isobel Murphy, Lara Trigg and Mia Dodds.

Year 10 artists: Dhivyaa Letchumanan, Amelia Burnes, Gwynieve Ireland, Abbie Leonard

Drama Ensemble Begins

The Drama Ensemble is officially up and running this term, bringing together talented and enthusiastic students from Years 7 to 12. Meeting each Tuesday, the group explores the magic of performance through improvisation, ensemble work, and playbuilding.

This exciting opportunity allows students to build their confidence, creativity, and teamwork while developing performance pieces. Throughout the year, the ensemble will showcase their work both within the school and to the wider community.

The Intellectual Domain

Some students show advanced thinking skills. They enjoy problem-solving, asking big questions, and learning in greater depth.

Premier’s Debating Challenge – Round 3

Our talented Year 7 and 8 debating team proudly represented the school in Round 3 of the Premier’s Debating Challenge on Tuesday, 20 August. The team – Arlia Kinloch, Chloe Velich, Keira Sharrock, and Mackenzie Taylor – faced off against Maitland Grossmann High School in a thought-provoking debate.

The students demonstrated confidence, teamwork, and critical thinking throughout the challenge, building on their growing skills in persuasive speaking and argument construction. We are incredibly proud of their efforts and look forward to seeing how they progress in the competition.

Exciting HPGE Opportunities in Japanese

An opportunity for budding filmmakers to create a short film for the annual Video Matsuri presented by the Japan Foundation. The signature item is a ‘mirror’. There are Junior and Senior categories for a 3 minute film division and an open Shorts Division (YouTube Shorts videos up to 60 seconds).

So whether you’re a budding social media star wanting to show off your cosplay prowess or the dux of your Japanese language class, itching to show off your Japanese skills, grab your camera, get creative and get recording! 

See Mrs Waller for more details. Entries close the 24th September (end of Term 3). 

The Physical Domain

This domain recognises students with exceptional talent in sport, dance, or movement. They show skill, dedication, and potential in physical performance.

Physical HPGE Opportunity – Coming Soon

Francis Greenway High School is excited to announce the upcoming launch of a new HPGE program focused on the Physical Domain. This initiative is designed to identify and support students who demonstrate exceptional physical potential and would benefit from a structured, goal-oriented athletic development program.

Program Overview

Students selected for the program will participate in a comprehensive weekly schedule that includes:

Sprint & Agility Sessions Delivered by Dennis Pitt – Spectrum Sports Sciences
Strength & Conditioning  Facilitated by Lifestyle Performance
Recovery Activities

Including ice baths and sauna sessions

This program aligns with HPGE goals by promoting physical excellence, resilience, and personal growth.

Selection Process

Each nomination will be evaluated based on:

Teacher observations
Performance evidence (e.g. school carnival results, external sports achievements)
Other relevant nomination pathways e.g. Hunter Representation, Rep Teams.

A selection committee will review all submissions to determine the final group, based on demonstrated potential, commitment, and alignment with program objectives.

More details coming soon – stay tuned!

Dance Group in Action

A new Dance Group has started in A1, meeting every Wednesday at Break 1. Students from across year groups have come together to share their creativity and passion for movement. Working collaboratively, the group is choreographing their own routines, drawing on the unique skills and talents of each performer.

This student-led initiative provides a fun and supportive space for dancers to explore ideas, express themselves, and build confidence as performers. We cannot wait to see the exciting routines they create!

The Social and Emotional Domain

Students with strengths in this area often show leadership, empathy, and strong social skills. They work well with others and understand people’s feelings and perspectives.

Music Rooms Alive with Creativity

Our Music rooms have become a vibrant hub of creativity during recess and lunch, with students filling the space to explore their passion for music. Whether they are learning a new instrument, practising favourite songs, or coming together as bands, the rooms are alive with energy and collaboration.

It is inspiring to see so many students supporting one another, sharing their skills, and creating music together. The doors are always open for anyone who would like to join in and be part of the music-making.

Tournament of the Minds

Fourteen Stage 4 students from across five classes have come together to represent our school in the worldwide Tournament of Minds competition. Working in two teams of seven, students are challenged to solve complex problems across two disciplines, taking full responsibility for the process. They assign roles, create action plans, generate ideas, and hold each other accountable, while their teacher acts only as a facilitator.

The competition not only stretches students’ creativity and problem-solving skills but also fosters collaboration and leadership. We are especially proud of Aiden Hungerford and Summan McLennan, who have shown outstanding leadership within their teams.

Our students will showcase their efforts at the Hunter Branch event on 31st August, with the potential to progress to state and interstate finals. This student-driven, out-of-school-hours initiative highlights the commitment, teamwork, and independence of our participants.

Mrs Ayres

HT CAPA and HPGE Leader