High Potential & Gifted Education
Year 7 HPGE Class Investigates Forces and Simple Machines
This term, our Year 7 High Potential and Gifted Education (HPGE) class has been exploring the exciting world of forces and simple machines in Science. Through hands-on experiments and engaging activities, students have discovered how levers, pulleys, and gears make our lives easier and help us accomplish everyday tasks.
The class has enjoyed building models and testing how different forces affect the movement and efficiency of simple machines. This investigation has encouraged curiosity, critical thinking, and teamwork, helping students understand the science behind objects we use every day.
Well done to our Year 7 HPGE students for their enthusiasm and dedication! We look forward to seeing their continued scientific discoveries throughout the year.
HPGE Students Discover the Science and Significance of the ANZAC Drip Rifle
At the start of this term, our High Potential and Gifted (HPGE) students in Physics, along with Year 7 Science S, have been delving into a fascinating chapter of history and science, exploring the ANZAC Drip Rifle.
Students have investigated how this ingenious invention played a vital role during the Gallipoli campaign, demonstrating both the scientific principles behind its design and its historical significance. Through hands on experiments and thoughtful research, our students have not only discovered how physics can be applied in real world situations but also gained a deeper appreciation of the ANZACs’ resourcefulness.
Congratulations to all participants for their curiosity, teamwork, and commitment! We look forward to seeing more innovative investigations from our HPGE students as they continue exploring the wonders of science.
Nurturing and Celebrating Potential in Term 1 2026 at Elderslie High School
Elderslie High School is proud to celebrate a vibrant start to 2026, marked by diverse opportunities that nurture high potential and giftedness across all domains. Our Year 7 extension class, predominantly focused on the social-emotional domain, engaged in a variety of differentiated and cross-curricular learning opportunities during Term 1. One task centred on the theme of ‘belonging.’ Integrating English, Mathematics, and PDHPE, students participated in an authentic learning experience with an excursion to Camden, where they collected and analysed real-life data, designed media presentations, and composed essays, deepening their connection to their community.
A rich array of activities has supported the growth of our students across the four HPGE domains. Physical potential is fostered through representation at Zone, Sydney South West, regional, and state levels in track and field and swimming, while creativity thrives through ensembles such as Music, Drama, Ballroom Dance, Dance, and Visual Arts Club, each providing performance and exhibition platforms locally, regionally, and nationally. Students have enhanced their social-emotional and creative development through authentic cultural experiences, such as performances by the Bollywood Dance Group and Pasifika Dance Groups at our partner primary schools for Harmony Day, fostering community connection and cultural appreciation.
Social-emotional and physical challenges are further developed via the Duke of Edinburgh’s International Award and leadership programs, including school and regional leadership days. Intellectual growth flourishes through a broad curriculum offering, with new Stage 5 electives such as Psychology and International Studies, alongside Stage 6 extension and VET courses that promote complexity, challenge, and authenticity.
Additionally, Elderslie’s agriculture students have demonstrated dedication and skill by preparing animals for prestigious competitions like the Camden and Sydney Royal Shows, earning numerous accolades. Innovations such as HPGE Passion Projects empower Year 8 students to explore personal interests, from sustainable fashion and engineering projects to mental health advocacy and creative writing. New clubs like the Writers Club provide further avenues for students to develop their talent in supportive environment. The launch of the Future Teachers Club offers students a dynamic opportunity to develop skills across all four HPGE domains through hands-on experience and professional insights, with Term 1 highlights including leading interactive sessions at our Community of Schools Taster Days. Culminating these efforts, 2026 also marks Elderslie High School’s 50th Anniversary, celebrated through special events including the school musical Mamma Mia!, where alumni have returned to mentor and inspire our creative community. Together, these initiatives exemplify our commitment to nurturing the potential of every student at Elderslie High School.
