High Potential and Gifted Education

High Potential and Gifted Education at Orange High School

At Orange High School, we believe every student deserves the opportunity to realise their full potential. Our High Potential and Gifted Education (HPGE) approach reflects The OHS Way, we are safe, respectful learners in a culture of high expectations. We recognise and nurture diverse abilities, empowering students to thrive as confident, creative and capable learners.

• We provide an inclusive, supportive and intellectually challenging environment where all students can flourish as safe and respectful learners.
• Teaching is explicit and inquiry-based, encouraging critical and creative thinking and deeper learning connections across all subjects.
• Classrooms promote collaboration, leadership and reflection through opportunities for students to take ownership of their learning.
• Feedback is strengths-based and goal-oriented, building confidence, resilience and self-awareness in line with our high expectations culture.
• Learning experiences are differentiated to adjust pace, complexity and higher-order thinking, ensuring every student is both challenged and supported.
• When evidence shows a need for greater challenge, students can access extension and acceleration pathways that foster independence and innovation.
• Growth is measured through reflection, progress checks and student work, with a focus on continuous improvement and achievement.

At Orange High School, HPGE is part of everyday practice. Guided by The OHS Way, we cultivate a learning environment where high expectations, belonging and academic excellence come together to inspire success for all.

Opportunities Beyond the Classroom at Orange High School

At Orange High School, we recognise that every student is an individual. Guided by The OHS Way, safe, respectful learners in a culture of high expectations , we provide flexible and diverse opportunities for students to explore their interests, develop their talents and grow their strengths beyond the classroom.

• The OHS Pinnacle Program (commencing 2026 Year 7): The Pinnacle Program provides a pathway to academic and artistic excellence. It offers enriched learning experiences tailored to students who demonstrate high potential in intellectual, leadership, sports, and creative and performing arts domains. The program aligns with the NSW Department of Education’s High Potential and Gifted Education (HPGE) Policy, ensuring gifted students are supported through evidence-based practices that enhance their potential and academic success.
• Leadership and Service: Students are encouraged to take on leadership roles through the Student Representative Council, Prefect body, Peer Support Program, and Uniform Committee. These roles build confidence, teamwork and a sense of responsibility within the school community. Students also lead major school events including ANZAC Day, Remembrance Day and NAIDOC Week assemblies.
• Academic Excellence: Students extend their learning in all years through to the HSC extension courses including English Extension 2, History Extension, Science Extension, Music Extension and Mathematics Extension 2. The HSC Excellence and Engagement Hub offers targeted support, weekly workshops and calm, well-equipped spaces that build confidence and sustain effort.
• Creative and Performing Arts: Talent in the arts is celebrated and extended through our Annual school show, our incredible Art team, School Spectacular, music ensembles, band, choir, dance and drama. Some students are selected as featured dancers.
• Sport and Teamwork: Orange High School offers a proud and diverse sporting culture with opportunities for all students to participate, compete and excel. As part of the Western School Sports Association (WSSA), our students engage in a wide range of sports including athletics, netball, basketball, rugby league, soccer, swimming, cross country and many more. The Astley Cup competition remains a highlight of the school calendar, celebrating teamwork, pride and sporting excellence against Bathurst and Dubbo High Schools. Students regularly achieve state-level representation, showcasing their commitment, skill and sportsmanship across multiple disciplines.
• Debating: Offered from Years 7–12, our debating teams have achieved great success in local competitions and proudly represent the school in the prestigious Premier’s Debating Challenge.
• Agriculture: Agriculture is a valued part of school life at Orange High. Our students participate in the Cattle Club, showing cattle at local and regional shows, and collaborate with local vineyards and working farms to develop real-world agricultural knowledge and skills. These experiences build teamwork, responsibility and a strong connection to our regional community.

At Orange High School, learning extends far beyond the classroom. Through programs such as the OHS Pinnacle Program and a wide range of leadership, creative and academic opportunities, students live The OHS Way , striving for excellence, showing respect and growing as confident, capable learners ready to make their mark in the world.

Our students can participate in a wide range of state-wide programs that extend and enrich their potential across academic, creative and sporting domains.

• University and Extension Programs: Students are encouraged to engage in programs such as tertiary enrichment experiences that build curiosity, independence and a love of learning.
• Premier’s Sporting Challenge: Students participate in the Premier’s Sporting Challenge, which promotes health, teamwork and leadership through physical activity, reflection and collaboration.
• Creative and Performing Arts: Students participate in state-level showcases including the School Spectacular and State Dance Festival, where our talented dancers, musicians and performers represent Orange High School on the state stage.