High potential and gifted education

Tomaree High School creates a supportive and stimulating environment where all students are challenged to achieve personal excellence and develop confidence as independent learners.

We implement explicit teaching practices that foster critical thinking, vocabulary development, and problem-solving skills. Students are guided through structured instruction that encourages inquiry, abstraction, and depth of understanding across all learning areas.

Learning experiences are designed to be authentic, purposeful, and engaging, allowing students to apply their knowledge in real-world contexts that promote creativity and higher-order thinking.

Differentiated learning opportunities, including movement and skill refinement tasks in PDHPE, ensure that activities are tailored to meet individual ability levels and promote growth for every student.

We prioritise formative assessment to monitor progress, identify strengths, and adapt teaching to support continuous improvement and achievement.

Our classrooms and practical spaces provide safe and inclusive environments where students feel supported to explore new ideas, take risks, and persevere through challenges, building resilience and confidence as lifelong learners.

Tomaree High School offers Specialist Stage 4 Classes designed to support students who demonstrate high potential in academics, sport, or the performing arts. These programs provide opportunities for students to extend their skills and immerse themselves in their area of strength and passion.

Creativity is celebrated through Visual Arts and Drama Showcases, where students display their talents in exhibitions and performances that build confidence and connect the school with the wider community. Similarly, our Creative Writing Workshops nurture emerging writers, offering opportunities to refine their craft, share ideas, and participate in writing competitions and publication projects.

A broad range of Extra-Curricular Programs encourages students to explore their interests and develop new skills. The Talented Sports Program supports high-performing athletes to balance academic and sporting commitments, while the After School and Senior Study Centres provide structured spaces for focused learning and academic support. Lunchtime Drama, Art, and Music Clubs foster creativity and collaboration, and our cultural groups and Aboriginal language programs celebrate diversity, strengthen cultural identity, and promote inclusion across the school.

Our Sport teams provide specialised training and competition pathways for students demonstrating high potential in sport, fostering teamwork, leadership, and resilience both on and off the field.

Through Peer Mentoring, senior students support and guide younger peers, building a culture of belonging, respect, and positive relationships. In partnership with the Student Representative Council (SRC) and Junior Aboriginal Education Consultative Group (Junior AECG), students develop leadership, advocacy, and communication skills. These programs empower students to represent their peers, contribute to school decision-making, and promote cultural understanding and inclusion.

A suite of Wellbeing Programs supports students’ social, emotional, and mental health, nurturing self-awareness, empathy, and personal growth.

Our Big Picture Academy provides an innovative learning pathway where students engage in personalised, project-based learning that connects their passions to real-world experiences and future aspirations.

Our school provides extensive opportunities for students to extend their learning and engage with the wider community through STEM Enrichment Partnerships with industry and universities. These programs deepen intellectual curiosity while fostering innovation, collaboration, and real-world problem-solving skills.

Students also participate in high-profile cultural events such as the Starstruck, an iconic performing arts showcase that celebrates the talents, creativity, and diversity of students from across Hunter public schools.

For students pursuing athletic excellence, the Representative School Sport Pathway and CHSSA events provide opportunities to trial and compete in sports at regional, state, and national levels, cultivating discipline, commitment, and teamwork.

Our mentoring programs connect students with trusted adults, including school alumni, emergency services personnel, and local business leaders, supporting the development of confidence, motivation, and interpersonal skills while fostering meaningful community connections.