High Potential Learners

At Shore, we have a team of educators who are not just experts in their field but have also been recognised and accredited by the University of New South Wales (UNSW) with a Certificate of Gifted Education. This means that every teacher at Shore Preparatory School, is equipped with the knowledge, skills, and passion needed to identify and nurture the academic excellence of our students.

Within the Senior School, each Year Group of students is paired with a HPL teacher. This deeply experienced teacher collaborates with the boys right through their schooling life, supporting and mentoring them as they undertake their HPL journey.

We understand that gifted students have unique needs and require a tailored approach to help them reach their full potential.

From the moment your child enters our Kindergarten programme until they reach the pinnacle of their primary education in Year 6, Shore is committed to providing a continuum of care and support. Here is how we do it:

Early Recognition: We believe in the power of early identification. Our teachers are trained to spot signs of giftedness, even in the youngest students, so that we can start nurturing their talents right from the start.

Customised Curriculum: Gifted students thrive when they are challenged appropriately. At Shore, we tailor our curriculum to provide advanced learning opportunities that match the pace and depth of their abilities.

Enrichment Programmes: Beyond the classroom, we offer a range of enrichment programmes designed to inspire and engage our gifted students. These encourage exploration, creativity, and critical thinking.

Mentoring and Guidance: Our educators take on the role of mentors, providing guidance and support to gifted students as they navigate their academic journey. We are here to ensure they never feel alone on their path to excellence.

Holistic Development: While academic excellence is our focus, we understand that a well-rounded education is essential. We encourage participation in co-curricular activities to foster social, emotional, and physical development.

At Shore, we are not just educators; we are facilitators of potential. Our commitment to recognising and supporting students on their journey to academic excellence is unwavering.

In the Senior School, the HPL programme sees the School partner with universities and industry experts to deliver a range of structured problem solving, interschool and career experiences to grow and develop boys who have demonstrated exceptional academic ability.

Our approach begins by identifying these remarkable individuals and providing them with the attention and resources they deserve. In Year 7, students are selected to participate in our exclusive academic enrichment programme. Selection is entirely merit-based, and students are identified through their overall academic performance.

The programme aims to:

• Extend the Learners beyond the NSW curriculum.
• Encourage collaboration amongst students.
• Build presentation and communication skills, emotional intelligence and learning agility.
• Fastrack career pathways and industry networks.

To foster their intellectual growth, Senior School HPL students are given the opportunity to immerse themselves in this enriching programme. Two lessons per seven day cycle are dedicated solely to focusing on their academic and personal development. This dedicated time ensures that they receive the support and guidance necessary to excel.

In Years 7 and 8, students work in collaborative groups, embarking on projects that challenge their creativity and critical thinking skills. This approach not only enhances their academic abilities and encourages friendships, but also nurtures their ability to work effectively within a team—an essential skill for success in any field.

Public speaking and presentation skills are vital in the modern world. In Year 7, students undertake the renowned Toastmasters course, empowering them to communicate with confidence and clarity, a skill that will serve them well throughout their lives.

Our students do not just excel within our School’s walls; they strive for excellence on a broader stage. They enthusiastically participate in various external competitions, honing their talents. Some recent examples include:

2022 National Champions of ‘The Quest’ competition for gifted and talented students.

Competing against 12,000 Year 12 students from around Australia, our highest performing Year 7 HPL students achieved ‘Top 10’ placement in the 2022 ASX Share Market Game – partnering with one of Australia’s top Stockbrokers over the 12-week programme.

Year 7, 9 and 10 HPL students placed third out of 72 teams in the national 2022 Da Vinci Decathlon competition. In 2023, our Year 6 team placed 2nd in Creative Producers in the same competition.

Winners in the 2022 National Literature Quiz competition.

Our Year 9 HPL students successfully completed the “Design Thinking” accredited course through Macquarie University, which included a ‘Shark Tank’ style presentation of their final works to industry experts.

Winner of the Under 12 Years 2023 Stanton Library writing competition and Highly Commended in the 2023 Mosman Literature Awards.

Divisional Winner and Runner Up at the 2023 North Shore Bear Pit Public Speaking Finals at NSW Parliament House.

Education extends beyond textbooks at Shore. We believe in exposing our students to the world of possibilities. Hence, we invite guest speakers, including highly esteemed professionals, to regularly share their experiences and inspire our students. These encounters broaden their horizons and encourage them to dream big.

As our students progress through their academic journey, we equip them with the tools necessary for a successful future. In Year 11, they work on their personal statements and university applications, ensuring a seamless transition to higher education.

In a first for any school in Australia, Shore partnered with Macquarie University, which offered an unparalleled opportunity for Year 10 students. They had the chance to enrol in a one-unit Philosophy university subject accredited by the NSW Education Standards Authority (NESA), which counted towards future degrees. This unique opportunity allowed our students to explore the world of philosophy, expanding their intellectual horizons.

At Shore, we passionately believe that talent should be recognised and nurtured. Our exclusive academic enrichment programme is a testament to our commitment to excellence, providing deserving students with the support they need to shine. It is more than just education; it is a journey of unlocking potential and building a brighter future.