High potential and gifted education (HPGE)

In our classroom

English

• Students are explicitly taught the knowledge and skills required for Stage 6 (Years 11–12) English in an age-appropriate and accessible way.

• Targeted extension programs are offered to challenge and engage high potential learners, including a Crime Story / Detective Fiction 2-Day Workshop and Debating and Public Speaking activities.

Mathematics

• Differentiated learning tasks in Mathematics are designed to extend HPGE students through problem-solving, abstract reasoning, and application of advanced concepts.
• In Stage 6 (Years 11–12), further extension opportunities are available through Mathematics Extension 1 and Extension 2 courses.

Science

• Science Fair with inquiry-based projects, Science extension in preparing students for Stage 6 (Year 11 and 12) subjects.

HSIE (History and Geography)

• Students can participate in independent inquiry projects and excursions related to specific topics in addition to class work.

Personal Development, Health and Physical Education

• A Talented Athlete Program that supplements existing student training programs, promotes holistic development, and supports students’ sporting passions alongside their academic commitments.

Agriculture

• Students have opportunities including industry and community engagement, participation in Ag shows (Wentworth, Mildura), and partnerships with TAFE e.g., Start your Future, Shearing School, FVS, Chem Skills that complement their studies.

CAPA- Music, Photography and Visual Arts

• Students have access to self-directed, differentiated project-based learning.

Food Technology, Hospitality

• Enriched learning opportunities in Food Technology and Hospitality, combined with community engagement through volunteering, fostering practical skills, leadership, and social responsibility.

Industrial Technology (Timber, Metal)

• Students are provided with differentiated and complex project-based tasks that extend learning beyond core syllabus outcomes. These projects promote the development of advanced design thinking, problem-solving, collaboration, and innovation skills, enhancing employability and future readiness.

Across our school

English

• Students can participate in events including debating/public speaking (NSW Parliamentary Regional Roadshow), writing comps (Whitlam Institute, Dorothea Mackellar Poetry awards, and SMH Young Writers.)

HSIE (History, Geography)

• There are a range of opportunities for students to grow their knowledge and skills including National History Competition, Australian History Competition, Australian Geography Competition, ASX Share Market Competition, incursions hosted by the Australian War Memorial in Canberra, various Excursions, for example HSC Ancient History to the Canberra Museum.

Mathematics

• Participation in the Australian Maths Competition for selected students is complemented with the use of interactive learning tools for remediation and extension.

Science

• Participation in a variety of experiences including National Science Competitions, Creating Chances Digital Futures STEM events.

PDHPE/ Sport

• In addition to our Sporting carnivals program students are encouraged to participate in a wide range of inter-school sporting activities competing against Sunraysia secondary schools. Students from Year 7 to 10 also participate in a weekly Friday sport program with a variety of sports scheduled throughout the year, this includes an AFL Academy.

STEM/ Digital Technology programs and opportunities include:

• Deadly Science Dream Maker Program, the Lower Baaka Leaders Program - Stage 5 students mentor Stage 3 students from Wentworth Public School in STEM, the NSW Virtual STEM Academy - Enrichment HPGE courses for Year 7 students and Stage 5 students and the Film Making Challenge - entering international competition.

• Girls in STEM initiatives - Girls Leading Our World (GLOW) leadership/engineering day, skin science incursion to foster interest in chemistry etc

CAPA (Music and Visual Arts)

• Students can participate in excursions to visit exhibitions, virtual experiences, individual and group sessions to extend skills and knowledge, performing at school assemblies and at partner school events.

Pathways (Careers and Vocational Education and Training)

• The school has a strategic focus on expanding pathways for students to develop and extend their skills and talents hosting an annual Careers Expo with local employers and displays so they can learn about employment opportunities. This is complemented with industry immersion and micro credentials in Hospitality, Beauty, Shearing school and Farm vehicle safety. Year 9 and 10 students are also encouraged to participate in the Work Experience program to explore careers options.

Across NSW

The Premier’s Sporting Challenge (PSC) supports high potential students through whole-school participation in physical activity, with opportunities for student leadership development and staff professional learning. This initiative forms an integral part of our Friday Sport Program and the Creating Chances program delivered annually.

Aurora College, the state’s virtual selective school, provides Coomealla students with access to enrichment and acceleration pathways.

• Years 7–10: Students may enrol in selective English, Mathematics, and Science classes.
• Years 11–12: Students can study Preliminary and/or HSC subjects not otherwise available locally, enabling continued extension in areas of academic strength and interest.