HPGE 

High Potential and Gifted Education (HPGE)

At Francis Greenway High School, we are proud to provide a wide range of enriching opportunities for students identified within the High Potential and Gifted Education (HPGE) program. Through targeted programs, enrichment activities and authentic learning experiences, students are supported to develop their strengths across the four HPGE domains: Intellectual, Creative, Physical and Social-Emotional.

We encourage students and families to explore the many opportunities available throughout the year and get involved in the vibrant learning experiences offered at FGHS.

HPGE Year 7 Classes – 2027

Francis Greenway High School will offer two HPGE classes for Year 7 students commencing in 2027. These classes are designed for students who demonstrate high potential and would benefit from additional challenge, enrichment and extension opportunities.

Key Dates

• Nomination forms available: Week 2, Term 2
• Nominations close: Week 5, Term 3
• Forms are available via the FGHS website.

What is HPGE?

High Potential and Gifted Education (HPGE) refers to students who demonstrate the capacity to learn and develop skills more rapidly than their same-age peers. Students may display strengths across one or more domains including intellectual, creative, social-emotional and physical.

Students suited to the HPGE class may:

• Learn concepts quickly and seek deeper understanding
• Demonstrate curiosity and creative thinking
• Enjoy problem-solving and collaboration
• Show leadership and empathy
• Display talent in creative or physical pursuits
• Thrive when challenged and working alongside like-minded peers

What is the HPGE Class?

The HPGE class provides students with opportunities to:

• Engage in enriched and challenging learning experiences
• Develop leadership, creativity and critical thinking skills
• Work collaboratively with like-minded peers
• Extend their talents across the HPGE domains

Families interested in nominating their child can access the nomination form via the FGHS website.

What’s happening at Francis Greenway this Semester. 

HPGE Creative Community Project Update

Stage 4 HPGE Creative Domain students have been participating in a specialised Visual Arts community project in partnership with the Beresfield Parish. Students are designing and constructing a functional street library for the local community while developing authentic artmaking skills.

Working alongside a Visual Arts specialist, students have explored design processes, material experimentation and construction techniques while responding to a real-world brief. The project has provided students with valuable opportunities to develop creativity, collaboration, problem-solving and technical skills in a meaningful community context.

Art Department ‘Hunter Arts Collection’ Exhibition (yr 11 works and support)

FGHS students have once again been selected to participate in the Hunter Schools Art Collection, an annual exhibition celebrating outstanding student artwork from across the Hunter region. Selected artworks will be showcased at various regional arts events throughout the year, including Choral fest, Band fest, Hunter Drama Festival and Star Struck.

Hunter Schools Art Collection 2026

Pop up concerts

Our Year 9 and 10 music students have continued entertaining the school community through lunchtime pop-up concerts. Students independently organise, set up and perform at these events, building confidence and valuable performance experience while sharing their musical talents with others.

Art Matters – Creative Opportunities for HPGE Students

For the past four years, FGHS Visual Arts teacher Alana Parker has worked alongside professional artists as part of the NSW Department of Education’s Art Matters program at Maitland Regional Art Gallery.

This program provides high-potential students from across the region with the opportunity to participate in intensive artist-led workshops, experiment with materials and create artworks within a professional gallery setting.

✨ Expressions of interest are opening soon - Parents and carers will have the opportunity to self-nominate their child for this enriching program. This is a fantastic chance for students with a passion for art to extend their skills, work alongside like-minded peers, and experience what it’s like to create in a professional artistic environment.✨ The nomination link will be available in the Term 2 FGHS newsletter and will be posted across the FGHS socials - STAY TUNED!

Star Struck 

Fifteen students from Years 7–11 have been rehearsing diligently for this year’s Star Struck performances. Students will perform a dance routine to UFO by Sneaky Sound System, with Cotton Eyed Joe featured in the finale.

Congratulations also to Year 9 student Molly, who has been selected as a featured musician in the Star Struck Rock Band and will perform on piano during the show.

We look forward to seeing our talented students shine on stage as part of this year’s theme, Out of the Ordinary.

State Drama Camp

Congratulations to Lukas, Layla-Rose and Thomas on being selected to attend the 2026 State Drama Camp. This exciting opportunity allows students to work collaboratively in a supportive environment alongside like-minded peers while learning from industry professionals, experienced teachers and theatre practitioners.

Throughout the camp, students will participate in a range of intensive workshops and activities designed to refine and extend their performance and creative skills. Experiences such as group devising and practical drama workshops encourage active participation, collaboration, creativity and confidence, while fostering a genuine enjoyment and appreciation of the performing arts.

Creative Writing Competition  - Week 10, Term 2 

Calling All Creative Writers!

All students in Years 7–12 are invited to participate in the FGHS Creative Writing Competition in Week 10, Term 2. Students are encouraged to showcase their creativity and original writing talents through this exciting opportunity.

Youth Week! Maitland Art Gallery Performances  

During the school holidays, several talented FGHS music students performed at Maitland Regional Art Gallery as part of the Youth Concert celebrations. Students represented the school with confidence and professionalism while sharing their musical talents with the wider community.

Congratulations to HPGE student Curtis, who has recently been sponsored by Dynamics Motion Coaching – Strength and Conditioning and Mental Fitness to participate in the Newcastle Knights RISE Program in recognition of his dedication and outstanding rugby league ability.

Congratulations also to the U18 Girls, U18 Boys and U14 Boys Rugby League teams on their outstanding performances and sportsmanship throughout recent competitions.

A special congratulations to HPGE students Zayne, Tiffanee and Mackenzie, who demonstrated exceptional sportsmanship and skill to qualify for the State Bowls Competition in June.

Student Voice Team

The FGHS Student Voice Team continues to provide students with opportunities to develop leadership skills, collaborate with peers and contribute positively to school culture.

Nominations are now open for Semester 2 Year Group Representatives. Students interested in developing their leadership skills and helping shape the future of FGHS are encouraged to apply.

Tournament of Minds (TOM) 

Tournament of Minds is an international collaborative problem-solving competition that challenges students to work creatively and critically in teams. Students work together to solve open-ended challenges across a range of disciplines before presenting their solutions at regional competitions.

More information will be available via Sentral notices later this term.

Debating 

Debating is well underway at FGHS this term, with students already participating in their first debate of the season. Students are developing valuable skills in public speaking, critical thinking, teamwork and persuasive communication while competing against other schools across the region.