High potential and gifted education

The Mathematics faculty at Kincumber High School is committed to enhancing student growth and attainment through a diverse range of enrichment opportunities. Students in Years 9 and 10 can engage in elective mathematics courses that extend their problem-solving abilities, while senior students can access Advanced, Extension 1, and Extension 2 Mathematics, ensuring rigorous academic challenge. Our Maths in Trades Pathway (MITP) elective, spanning Years 9–12, provides practical applications of mathematical concepts, aligning with meaningful post-school pathways outlined in the NSW Public Education Plan.

To support high-potential learners, the faculty embeds differentiated instruction, including ‘A’ level questions in all assessments and units of work. Programs such as LEED, Bump It Up, and targeted numeracy lessons ensure students are consistently challenged at their level of mastery. Initiatives like after-school maths tutoring, SmarterEd resources for senior students, and NAPLAN preparation via a Year 8 website provide structured opportunities for academic success.

The English faculty at Kincumber High School nurtures academic excellence through Extension 1 and 2 English, supporting students in critical thinking, creativity, and literary analysis. Enrichment opportunities such as SLAM Poetry competitions and the What Matters Writing Competition encourage students to engage in authentic writing experiences that align with student voice and agency in learning.

In line with the NSW Department of Education’s commitment to literacy development, targeted academic extension activities support high-achieving students in K classes, while holiday lectures for Advanced and Extension students provide intensive exam preparation.

The HSIE faculty fosters critical thinking and inquiry-based learning, offering a broad range of high-potential programs. Students engage in embedded extension activities, innovative assessment styles, and hands-on learning experiences such as fieldwork, site studies, and kinesthetic activities. These approaches align with the NSW Department of Education’s focus on explicit teaching and evidence-based strategies.

The faculty supports student excellence through initiatives like the Illuminate Challenge and MUNA (Model United Nations Assembly), encouraging analytical skills and global citizenship. Additionally, diverse excursions across Stages 4–6 enhance real-world application of learning, reinforcing engagement and wellbeing.

With a focus on strengthening student pathways, HSIE aims to expand Extension History in Stage 6, increase student participation in History and Geography Competitions, and improve elective course selection processes. Regular study afternoons in the library and targeted promotional strategies will continue to support high-achieving students.

The CAPA faculty provides diverse learning pathways that nurture artistic excellence and creativity. Through initiatives like the One Night Only Expo and Central Coast Dance Festival, students engage in high-quality co-curricular activities that align with the NSW Public Education Plan’s focus on enriching student experiences.

Students benefit from visible learning strategies, formative assessment practices, and high-expectation feedback, fostering a growth mindset. High-potential learners can access before-school and holiday workshops, targeted mentoring, and state-level programs such as HSC Intensive Studio Practice at the National Art School and the Talent Development Project.

The PDHPE faculty fosters excellence in physical education through differentiated skill-based programs, ensuring students engage in targeted lessons that match their ability levels. From Year 10 Touch Football skill-based groupings to Year 9 Health Summits assessing students across multiple domains, the faculty is dedicated to supporting student growth and wellbeing.

Excursions and inter-school sporting competitions with local schools provide authentic opportunities for students to extend their physical capabilities. Programs such as surf education, first aid courses, and targeted sports initiatives empower students to develop lifelong health and fitness habits.

The TAS faculty supports future-focused learning through hands-on, technology-driven programs that align with student pathways and industry expectations. The faculty fosters entrepreneurial thinking and problem-solving through project-based learning, ensuring students develop critical technical skills.

Initiatives include industry engagement, competitions, and external partnerships to provide real-world applications of student learning. The faculty will also continue its commitment to differentiated instruction and high-quality resources to support high-potential students in specialised fields.

The Science faculty at Kincumber High School provides a dynamic, high-challenge learning environment designed to identify, nurture and develop high potential and gifted students across the intellectual and creative domains of science.

Our faculty is staffed by specialist teachers across Physics, Chemistry, Biology, Marine Studies and Earth and Environmental Science, ensuring students benefit from deep subject expertise and authentic disciplinary knowledge. High potential learners are supported through differentiated learning experiences that emphasise scientific thinking, problem-solving, inquiry and application beyond the standard curriculum.

In Stage 4, students in HPGE classes participate in enrichment opportunities including STEM days delivered in partnership with UNSW, providing early exposure to university-level thinking, collaboration and innovation. These experiences are designed to spark curiosity, build confidence and develop foundational skills in scientific inquiry.

In Stage 5, students benefit from a rotation model that provides access to specialist science teachers across all curriculum areas, ensuring depth, challenge and continuity in learning. High potential students may elect STEM as a Year 9 and 10 subject, allowing them to extend their capabilities through applied science, technology and engineering projects that foster creativity, collaboration and advanced problem-solving.

Stage 6 students are supported through a range of extension opportunities, including participation in external academic competitions, after-school intensive learning seminars and enrichment programs. Excursion opportunities to Macquarie University and the University of Newcastle allow students to experience tertiary science environments, engage with experts and explore future pathways in STEM-related fields.

Through explicit teaching, high expectations and targeted enrichment, the Science faculty at Kincumber High School is committed to developing scientific talent, fostering academic excellence and supporting students to realise their potential as confident, capable and curious learners.

The SSU faculty prioritises inclusive education by ensuring that high-potential students with diverse learning needs receive tailored support. Students are encouraged to participate in mainstream subjects with scaffolding and SLSO support, progressively fostering independence.

To extend HPGE opportunities, the SSU faculty supports students in leadership roles, multi-categorical sporting events, and targeted academic challenges. Community engagement initiatives, including mentorship programs and structured work experience, align with the SIP’s focus on pathways and partnerships.

At Kincumber High School, being part of the Leadership Team is an opportunity for all students, from Years 7 to 12, to actively shape their school and wider community. Our Leadership Team is inclusive, dynamic, and student-driven, offering authentic leadership experiences that build confidence, responsibility, and a strong sense of civic engagement.

Students in the Leadership Team play an integral role in school life. They are responsible for planning and running our fortnightly assemblies, which often include community partnerships such as the school’s ANZAC Day service. Through involvement in student voice projects, leaders advocate for their peers, helping to guide school decision-making and improve student experiences.

The Leadership Team is also passionate about community awareness and social impact, regularly coordinating school involvement in key events such as International Women’s Day and the Annual Red Shield Appeal. These opportunities empower students to make a meaningful difference and foster strong connections with the local community.

Our student leaders are visible, proactive, and deeply valued, developing skills that will serve them for life, both within and beyond the school gates.