Opportunity classes

Tighes Hill Public School has an opportunity class. Opportunity classes are one of the ways that the department supports high potential and gifted students in Year 5 and 6. Parents apply when students are at the end Year 3 or the beginning of Year 4 for placement in Year 5. It is a 2-year program (Year 5 to 6). Parents cannot apply for Year 6 placement only.

Benefits of attending our opportunity class

Opportunity class students also take part in our regular extra-curricular activities like sports, arts, music and clubs.

You can apply to our opportunity class even if our school is outside your local enrolment area.

Is an opportunity class the right fit for my child?

Talk with your child about this option. Together, look over the information on our website and in the Student Resource Hub.

Your child might have high intellectual potential if they:

Please note that not all gifted students will show all of these traits. This may be due to disability, disadvantage or lack of opportunity.

Learn more about the department’s High Potential and Gifted Education Policy.

More information

For more information about opportunity classes visit Selective high schools and opportunity classes.

Opportunity Class Enrichment and Events

At Tighes Hill Public School, our Opportunity Class provides students with a range of engaging opportunities to extend their learning, develop new skills, and challenge themselves beyond the classroom. Throughout the year, students participate in enrichment experiences that promote curiosity, creativity, collaboration, problem-solving, and a love of learning. These activities are thoughtfully organised into the four domains of the Higher Potential and Gifted Education (HPGE) framework, designed to support the intellectual, creative, social, and leadership development of our OC students, helping them to reach their full potential.

Intellectual

  • Maths challenges including the APSMO Maths Olympiad, Australian Maths Competition, KSF, Bebras and more
  • A suite of ICAS tests
  • Senior debating and public speaking opportunities
  • Specialised HPGE opportunities like the Hunter Super Nova Camp
  • Participation in the DaVinci Decathlon, Gifted Games, OC Challenge Day, OC Maths Clash and other large-scale events
  • Chess coaching and tournaments
  • Dr Jarad STEM in Schools Program (CSIRO)
  • Targeted Masterclasses with other OC students in the Regional North OC Network (maths, writing, sport, art, etc)
  • SSA National Schools Poster Competition focusing on data and statistics
  • PI Day

Creative

  • Stage 3 Creative Club
  • School band and training band
  • The Tighes Times student newspaper
  • Annual OC events including Write A Book In A Day and the Sydney Writer's Festival
  • Creative Writing Club
  • Senior Choir
  • HPGE opportunities like Creative Arts Camp and Newcastle Art Gallery excursions
  • Participation in competitions such as the Dorothea Mackellar Poetry Awards, Write On and the Australian Poetry Slam
  • Indigenous programs and cultural opportunities, such as Didj Group and Aboriginal Dance Group
  • Literature Circles
  • Class STEM challenges (termly)

Physical

  • OC teambuilding excursion to WildNets Adventure Park at Minmi in Week 1
  • PSSA teams including soccer, tennis, touch football, AFL, cricket and more
  • Champion school aerobics team: the Sapphires
  • A PE program designed to enhance coordination, health, and physical skills through targeted activities and team sport
  • Weekly Stage 3 sport, including options like Dance2Bfit and gymnastics
  • School athletics, swimming and cross country carnivals with pathways to regional events and beyond
  • Whole school events such as The Colour Run and Jump Rope For Heart

Social-Emotional

  • Gratitude, Empathy and Mindfulness activities embedded in The Resilience Project program  (schoolwide) and PDH
  • Year 5 buddy program with new kindergarten students
  • Opportunities for leadership including school captains, sporting house captains, SRC and playground responsibilities
  • Access to programs such as the Year 6 GRIP leadership program (external)
  • Teambuilding activities at the Great Aussie Bush Camp and 3-day Canberra excursion (biennial)
  • Stage-based opportunities including the 5/6 Fair, run by students for students
  • A wide variety of opportunities to represent our school in the wider community
  • Tea With The Teacher

OC Calendar

Stay up-to-date with all the latest Opportunity Class events, activities, and important dates through our OC digital calendar. Families and students can easily access the calendar to stay informed and organised throughout the school year. Click the link below to view the calendar and ensure you don’t miss out on any enrichment opportunities.

How to apply for entry into our opportunity class

Unlike NSW public schools, there are no intake areas for opportunity classes. Enrolment is by application only. You can apply to up to 4 schools.

Apply online

Steps:

  1. Visit Selective high school and opportunity class placement
  2. Register to start your application.
  3. Verify your email address
  4. Log in
  5. Complete all sections of the application form
  6. Submit the application form
  7. Student sits the placement test
  8. Family is advised of the outcome.

You must submit a separate application form for each school and list the schools in the same order of preference.

Late applications

The application period cannot be extended. Make sure you submit your application before the closing date. For more information, check key dates.

Visit us before you enrol

Starting a new school is a big step. We're here to help make the transition a smooth and positive experience for every student and their family.

Meet our friendly staff, explore our school facilities, and see what makes our school a great place to learn.

Contact us to find out what’s available and how we can support you before your child starts at our school.

Does your child need extra support?

Our learning and support team is here to help. Visit Additional learning support before you complete the enrolment form to learn how we can best support your child.

Learn more

Enrol

Find out how to apply in our opportunity classes.

Inspire - High potential and gifted education

Learn about how we support advanced learners with great lessons and activities to help them grow and thrive.