Inspire – High potential and gifted education

In our classroom

• Differentiated tasks that adjust pace, depth, complexity and cognitive demand

• Advanced learning pathways such as acceleration or compacted content

• Ongoing formative assessment to guide instruction and track growth

• Explicit teaching of critical thinking, reasoning and problem-solving

• Opportunities for abstraction, inquiry and cross-curricular thinking

• Authentic tasks that promote choice, innovation and creativity

• Flexible grouping for collaboration, ideation and presentation

• Differentiated movement tasks and targeted PDHPE skill development

• Leadership opportunities within lessons—such as student-led demonstrations, strategy captains and peer mentors

• Strengths-based feedback, goal setting and personalised reflection

• Safe, supportive learning spaces that encourage risk-taking, resilience and curiosity

Across our school

Scarborough Public School offers rich, school-wide programs that extend talent, promote leadership, build creativity and strengthen personal and social capabilities.

Lead With Purpose – Whole-School Leadership Program (2026)

In 2026, SPS launches Lead With Purpose, a re-imagined system of student leadership based on portfolios rather than traditional class representatives. This model ensures every student has access to meaningful leadership opportunities.

Students select a portfolio based on their strengths and interests and work with a staff mentor across the year.

2026 Leadership Portfolios

• Cultural Advocates – inclusion, cultural events, community connections
• Wellbeing Ambassadors – Grow Your Mind, kindness initiatives, peer support
• Green Council – Sustainability Leaders – gardens, recycling, waste and energy initiatives
• Creative & Arts Leaders – assisting with music, drama, art showcases, photography, media
• Sport & Health Leaders – Sea Cliff Sport Series support, house events, active play
• STEM & Innovation Leaders – Wonder Wednesday leads, robotics/coding support
• Community & Events Leaders – assemblies, playgroup, intergenerational partnerships
• Library & Literacy Leaders – book events, displays, reading promotion

Students apply through a nomination form and demonstrate commitment, initiative and teamwork throughout the year.

Sea Cliff Sport Series (Stage 2–3)

A weekly interschool program delivered in partnership with Creating Chances, offering high-quality sport, teamwork, mentoring and leadership opportunities. Students build movement skills, resilience, strategic thinking and confidence while engaging with peers from neighbouring schools.

Creative & Performance Pathways

• Weekly in-class music sessions with the Wollongong Conservatorium of Music
• Concert Band and Contemporary Band extracurricular ensembles
• Artist in Residence – Art Literacy Program
• iCreate entrepreneurial leadership and innovation program
• Merrigong Theatre Company drama workshops and performance showcases
• Miss Zoe’s Dance School (Thirroul) termly dance workshops and showcases

These partnerships allow students to work with professional artists, musicians, actors, dancers and designers, developing excellence in creative fields.

Academic, STEM and Enrichment Programs

• Debating and public speaking in collaboration with the University of Wollongong
• STEM and coding clubs
• Academic competitions
• Critical thinking workshops
• Cross-stage inquiry projects
• Peer mentoring programs
• Inclusion and wellbeing initiatives across the school

Intergenerational Project – Kennett’s Nursing Home, Stanwell Park

Scarborough PS proudly partners with Jess and Frank at Kennett’s Nursing Home to deliver a meaningful intergenerational learning program. Students participate in:

• regular visits to the nursing home
• shared storytelling, board games, art and conversation
• collaborative projects that build empathy and social understanding
• relationships that enrich both student wellbeing and residents’ lives

This initiative strengthens personal–social development, emotional intelligence, communication and cultural understanding.

Early Learning Mentoring – KU Wombarra Preschool

Our ongoing partnership with KU Wombarra Preschool provides opportunities for:

• mentoring relationships between SPS students and early learners
• shared play, reading, creative and outdoor experiences
• leadership development for older students
• strengthened transition-to-school relationships within our local community

These visits support confidence, communication, responsibility and early leadership skills in authentic settings.

Across NSW

Academic & Intellectual Opportunities

Premier’s Spelling Bee
Students participate in this statewide competition that promotes vocabulary, precision and confident public speaking in high-challenge settings.

Premier’s Debating Challenge
Students develop logical reasoning, argument construction, teamwork and persuasive speaking while representing Scarborough PS in the state’s official primary debating series.

STEM Enrichment and Virtual Extension Programs
Students engage in external STEM experiences, virtual learning sessions, workshops and competitions that extend innovation, problem-solving and scientific thinking.

Game Changer Challenge (where applicable)
A design-thinking and future-focused competition that empowers students to apply creativity, teamwork and engineering thinking to real-world problems.

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Creative & Performance Opportunities

Schools Spectacular – Performing Arts Pathways
Students have the opportunity to audition for dance, drama, choir and specialist ensembles in one of Australia’s largest youth performance events.

Regional and State Performing Arts Programs
Students can engage in drama, dance and music ensembles coordinated by The Arts Unit, building technical skill, expressive confidence and collaborative artistry.

Music Ensembles and State Choir Pathways
Keen musicians are supported to prepare for opportunities in state-level choirs and instrumental ensembles.

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Physical Development & Representative Sport

Representative School Sport Pathways (PSSA)
Students have access to district, regional and state trials across a wide range of sports. These pathways nurture discipline, commitment, skill progression and sporting excellence.

Premier’s Sporting Challenge
A statewide initiative promoting daily physical activity, goal setting, team spirit and healthy lifestyle habits across the school.

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Personal–Social & Community Connectedness Opportunities

Mentoring and Alumni Pathways
Scarborough PS students benefit from connections with local mentors, community partners and alumni, helping them develop motivation, confidence and aspirational thinking.

Statewide Wellbeing Initiatives
Students access additional NSW wellbeing resources, student voice opportunities and statewide leadership initiatives that support resilience, relational skills and positive behaviour development.