In our classroom

Intellectual Domain

Students with high intellectual potential are extended through purposeful enrichment such as the STEM Group, Book Club and Maths Olympiad, all designed to strengthen higher-order thinking and problem-solving. Classroom learning includes differentiated tasks that adjust pace and complexity, advanced learning pathways such as accelerated or compacted content, and explicit teaching of critical and creative thinking strategies. Formative assessment is used to monitor growth and adapt learning to each student’s needs.
Project-Based Learning further challenges students through inquiry, abstraction, and authentic problem-solving, with opportunities for cross-curricular projects, flexible grouping, collaboration and student choice. Through these targeted approaches, teachers design learning experiences that go beyond grade-level expectations and promote depth, independence and intellectual stretch.

Creative Domain

Creativity is nurtured across all learning areas, including the arts, STEM, writing and digital technologies. Students explore diverse perspectives, engage in abstraction and inquiry, and build confidence through tasks that offer choice, authenticity and curriculum depth. Explicit teaching of critical and creative thinking strategies, along with cross-curricular projects, helps students generate imaginative solutions and apply their creative strengths in meaningful ways. Activities such as SCAMPER thinking, design challenges, portfolios and prototypes—supported by flexible grouping for collaborative ideation and presentation—enable students to develop originality, flexibility and creative resilience

Social and Emotional Domain

Students develop social and emotional capability through experiences that promote leadership, teamwork, empathy and self-reflection. Classroom programs provide opportunities for student leadership, structured peer collaboration and guided reflection, all within safe learning environments that encourage confidence, positive risk-taking and perseverance.
Programs such as Student Parliament, Student Voice Ambassadors and the Environment Club strengthen responsibility, collaboration and citizenship. The Aboriginal Education Program enriches leadership and cultural identity through Personalised Learning Pathways (PLPs), the Koori Choir, cultural celebrations and partnerships with the Kuriwa AECG. Buddy programs, peer mentoring and our Positive Behaviour for Learning (PBL) approach further foster connection, inclusion and positive relationships across the school.

Physical Domain

Students with high physical potential are supported through fitness and sport lessons that extend movement skills, coordination, teamwork and physical confidence. Class programs include differentiated movement tasks, targeted goals for agility, control and skill refinement, and opportunities for students to take on lead roles in physical demonstrations or team strategy. Lessons focus on purposeful skill development, game awareness and leadership within physical activities. Students also engage in team-building tasks, skill circuits and reflective practices that build resilience, healthy habits and a strong sense of achievement.

Across our school and NSW

Intellectual Domain

Beyond the classroom, students extend their intellectual strengths through public speaking, debating, coding club, the Premier’s Spelling Bee and chess club. These experiences challenge students to apply advanced reasoning, communication and strategic thinking in real-world contexts while connecting with like-minded peers.

Creative Domain

Students broaden their creative talents through clubs, school bands, drama groups, dance groups, choir, visual arts competitions, workshops, and a range of competitions and community partnerships that encourage artistic expression, innovation and problem-solving. These opportunities allow students to collaborate creatively, work with mentors and extend their skills beyond the school setting.

Social and Emotional Domain

Students develop social and emotional capability through leadership conferences, environmental initiatives and cultural programs delivered in partnership with Erina Heights PS, Terrigal HS and community groups. These experiences build confidence, empathy and a strong sense of belonging, while giving students opportunities to make meaningful contributions.

Physical Domain

Students with high physical potential are extended through sporting carnivals, multisport opportunities and pathways to representative levels in athletics, cross country and swimming. Additional programs in tennis, basketball, football, cricket, rugby, dance, AFL, touch football and bowling provide targeted opportunities for students to refine skills, develop resilience and experience competitive sport.

Creative Domain

At Terrigal Public School, the Creative Domain celebrates students who think boldly, imagine freely and approach learning with curiosity. Creativity is not limited to the arts. Our students apply inventive thinking across writing, STEM, digital technologies and everyday problem solving.

Teachers nurture creative potential by providing supportive spaces where ideas can flourish. Students explore different perspectives, develop imaginative solutions and persist through challenges, knowing that mistakes are part of the creative process. In classrooms, they engage in rich experiences such as SCAMPER thinking, open-ended design challenges, portfolios and prototypes.

Opportunities also extend beyond the classroom, with creative clubs, workshops, competitions and community partnerships. Whether coding a game, designing an eco-invention or producing a unique artwork, students are empowered to express themselves, take informed risks and develop innovative products that reflect their individuality. Terrigal Public School is committed to unlocking creativity in every learner.

Terrigal's got Talent and Central Coast Dance Festival

Our ongoing involvement in the Central Coast Dance Festival reflects the depth and quality of these opportunities. Students across all stages are invited to engage in advanced creative learning that promotes expression, innovation, and high-level performance skills. Through dedicated rehearsal programs, exposure to professional theatre environments, and the chance to explore diverse dance styles and themes, students are supported to excel far beyond the expectations of the standard curriculum.

These experiences are purposefully designed to stretch students with high creative potential, encouraging them to refine their technique, collaborate effectively, and communicate ideas through movement. Whether developing stage presence, exploring storytelling through choreography, or working with complex musicality, students are challenged to think critically, take creative risks, and grow as confident, capable performers.

By providing access to authentic performance platforms and specialised enrichment pathways, Terrigal Public School ensures that creativity is recognised, nurtured, and celebrated at every stage of learning. Our commitment to high-quality HPGE Creative programs empowers students to shine, thrive, and realise their full artistic potential.

State Drama

Terrigal Public School is committed to identifying and nurturing students with high creative potential through our High Potential and Gifted Education (HPGE) Creative Domain. We provide enriched learning experiences that challenge imaginative thinkers, confident communicators, and emerging performers to extend their abilities in meaningful and exciting ways.

Our involvement in programs such as the NSW State Drama Festival demonstrates the level of opportunity available to students who show advanced creative aptitude. Participation in specialist workshops at this state-level event allowed students to deepen their skills in expression, movement, and storytelling, while engaging with industry professionals and high-level creative tasks.

These experiences are designed to stretch students beyond the everyday curriculum, building confidence, fostering innovation, and allowing them to apply their creativity in authentic, real-world contexts.

At Terrigal Public School, we believe creative potential deserves to be recognised, cultivated, and celebrated. Through targeted enrichment opportunities, both inside and outside the classroom, we ensure that students with high creative ability are supported to grow, excel, and shine.

Intellectual Domain

Students with high intellectual potential are supported through purposeful enrichment opportunities such as the STEM group, Book Club, and Maths Olympiad, all of which strengthen higher-order thinking and problem-solving. Project-Based Learning (PBL) further extends these learners by engaging them in inquiry, collaboration, and authentic problem-solving. Teachers work together to design learning experiences that go beyond grade-level expectations and encourage depth, independence, and intellectual challenge.

Our school also extends students’ intellectual growth by connecting them with opportunities beyond the classroom. Participation in public speaking, debating, the Premier’s Spelling Bee, and chess club allows students to apply advanced reasoning, communication, and strategic thinking in real and meaningful contexts. These experiences broaden their learning pathways and provide additional avenues for challenge and engagement.

• STEM
• Book club
• Maths Olympiad
• Spelling Bee

• Chess Club - Students can participate in our Chess Team, which fosters strategic thinking and problem-solving skills.
• Debating
• Maths Extension Groups - We identify students' learning needs in the classroom and use evidence-informed teaching practices to challenge and extend students. We provide learning pathways, including enrichment and extension programs and acceleration.
• Public Speaking - At TPS, we are committed to recognising and nurturing high potential and gifted students, ensuring every student has the opportunity to thrive at our school. Congratulations to Lazlo who received a ‘Highly Commended’ in the Early Stage 1 Central Coast Public Speaking Competition. Congratulations Lily

• Hamish and Piper - At Terrigal Public School, high potential and gifted education (HPGE) is integrated into classrooms through differentiated learning experiences. Students receive targeted instruction to meet their individual level of challenge and personal interests. Congratulations to Piper and Hamish who have gained entry into Gosford High School and Gosford Primary School.

Physical Domain

TPS Girls Basket Ball

The Terrigal Public School Girls Basketball team had an impressive run in this year’s NSW PSSA State Championships. Comprised of dedicated students from Stage 3, the team trained tirelessly, guided by their coach, Mr. Delaney. Their teamwork, resilience and sportsmanship earnt them recognition both on and off the court, as they advanced through regional rounds to secure a spot in the state finals. Competing against 8 of the best schools in NSW, the team showed that commitment and community spirit can rival even the largest sporting programs in the state. The girls should be incredibly proud of placing 5th in the State!

Elsie

Elsie is an outstanding HPGE student whose exceptional talent and dedication shine across a wide range of sports and performing arts. This year, Elsie has proudly represented Terrigal Public School at the highest levels, competing at Sydney North in swimming, athletics, and as a member of the Sydney North Basketball Team. She also reached the Sydney North Cricket Final and played in the Rugby 7s State Quarterfinals, helping her team achieve an impressive top-eight finish in NSW.

Elsie’s versatility extends even further—she placed 5th in the state for basketball, competed in the AFL Paul Kelly Cup, and showcased her skills in netball. Beyond sport, Elsie shines on stage through her involvement in Star Struck and the Dance Festival, demonstrating creativity, confidence, and passion for the performing arts.

Elsie is a dedicated, high-achieving student who embodies our school values and continues to inspire her peers through her commitment, sportsmanship, and enthusiasm.

Olivia

Olivia has had an outstanding year in sport, demonstrating commitment, determination, and genuine passion across a wide range of disciplines. She represented our school at State Athletics in shot put, discus, 100m and 200m, delivering impressive performances that have earned her a place at Nationals for both shot put and discus. Beyond athletics, Olivia showcased her versatility by representing Sydney North in boccia and tenpin bowling, competing with confidence and pride. Outside of school, she continues to build her skills through regular tennis and dedicated athletics training with her coach. As a Variety-sponsored athlete, Olivia embodies resilience, positivity, and excellence, making her a wonderful role model for her peers.

Social and Emotional Domain

Student Voice Ambassador – Sienna

Terrigal Public School provides genuine opportunities for students to develop their social and emotional strengths through leadership roles. One of these opportunities is the Student Voice Ambassador Program, where students take an active role in sharing ideas and representing their peers.

As a Student Voice Ambassador, Sienna meets with staff and students to discuss learning, wellbeing and school improvement. She gathers feedback from classmates, contributes to conversations about student needs and helps communicate these ideas to teachers. This role allows Sienna to experience real decision-making in a supportive environment.

Sienna describes Student Voice as “a council for kids who would like to have a say in what happens at school.” Her involvement shows how this program encourages students to think collaboratively, listen respectfully and contribute positively to school life.

The Student Voice Ambassador Program helps students build confidence, communication skills and a strong sense of responsibility. At Terrigal Public School, we value student perspectives and provide authentic ways for students like Sienna to be heard.

Student Leadership in Action – Ziggy

Terrigal Public School provides enriched leadership opportunities through our Senior Student Leadership Program, an important part of the Social and Emotional Domain within our High Potential and Gifted Education (HPGE) framework. This program supports students to develop confidence, responsibility and strong interpersonal skills through meaningful, real-world experiences.

As a member of the Terrigal Public School Parliament, Ziggy represents his peers and contributes to school-wide initiatives. Throughout the year, he assists in running weekly assemblies, presents Positive Behaviour for Learning (PBL) expectations and helps staff with the organisation of whole-school events. Ziggy also supports school tours and walkthroughs, welcoming visitors and sharing insights into daily learning and student life at Terrigal Public School.

Student leaders dedicate time to meetings where they discuss wellbeing, behaviour and school culture, contributing ideas that help shape a positive and supportive learning environment. They are expected to model commendable behaviour, wear full school uniform, uphold the school’s values and represent Terrigal Public School at special events.

Leadership is closely connected to our PBL framework. Students like Ziggy reinforce school-wide expectations, support positive behaviour initiatives and demonstrate what it means to be safe, respectful and responsible members of our community.

Through the Senior Student Leadership Program, Terrigal Public School provides authentic opportunities for students to strengthen their communication, collaboration and decision-making skills. Ziggy’s involvement reflects the confidence, initiative and leadership qualities that our school aims to nurture in all students.