Inspire – High potential and Gifted education

At Chatham High School, we understand that exceptional academic ability deserves an environment that nurtures and challenges it. Our CHACE program offers a prestigious and selective pathway for students who meet high academic standards and demonstrate strong potential for academic excellence. Students must meet established academic criteria to obtain and be invited to participate in the CHACE program. This ensures that students are challenged at the right level and are surrounded by peers who share their drive for excellence. Through enriched lessons and purposeful extension activities, we nurture their strengths and support them to excel both in and beyond the classroom.

Why choose us for your High Potential or Gifted child?

Inspire – High potential and gifted education (HPGE) at Chatham High School provides students with opportunities to extend, challenge and inspire their learning through engaging and meaningful experiences.

We do this through:

effective teaching strategies including enrichment, extension and acceleration
Specialised programs such as CHACE, Aboriginal Education and Talented Athlete pathways
Immersive learning experiences including university partnerships, excursions and STEM opportunities

tailored support during lessons that stretch, challenge and inspire through access to innovative digital learning and like minded peers in supportive learning environments

access to a wide range of opportunities both within and beyond the classroom that develop confidence, leadership and critical thinking skills

Our High Potential and Gifted Education Opportunities

At Chatham High School, students have access to a wide range of specialised HPGE opportunities designed to support and extend their individual strengths, interests and talents.

These opportunities include academic extension through the CHACE program, Talented Athlete pathways, Aboriginal Education initiatives, leadership development, STEM experiences, creative arts opportunities, university partnerships, immersive excursions and authentic real-world learning experiences. Students are encouraged to explore their passions, challenge themselves and connect with like-minded peers through programs that promote excellence, curiosity and future pathways.

Please contact the school for further information about how your child can become involved in one of our leading HPGE programs.

CHACE is Chatham High School’s school-based curriculum extension program for students in Years 7 and 8 who demonstrate high potential in academic learning, providing enriched learning experiences, explicit teaching and extension opportunities that promote critical thinking, creativity, collaboration and problem-solving across key learning areas. Students engage in authentic real-world learning experiences including visits to Australia’s only nuclear reactor, collaborative projects with MidCoast Council, participation in School Spectacular, and immersive learning experiences at Luna Park Sydney. Entry into the CHACE program is by invitation only, with students required to meet academic entry requirements through the CHACE identification and Expression of Interest (EOI) process.

The Talented Athlete Program (TAP) supports students who demonstrate high potential in sport by providing flexible, school-based support that recognises the commitment required for training and competition. TAP promotes balance between sporting excellence, learning, wellbeing and engagement, enabling students to pursue their athletic goals while remaining connected to their education. TAP try-outs are held in term 4 every year, however students considering enrolling at Chatham High School are encouraged to apply.

Chatham High School provides a range of creative and performing arts opportunities that support students with high potential in visual arts, music, drama and performance. Through performance opportunities, exhibitions and creative projects, students are encouraged to develop confidence, technical skill and creative expression.

Leadership Development is an important pathway for students with high potential in social-emotional and interpersonal domains. Through student leadership roles, SRC, Junior AECG, mentoring and school-wide initiatives, students develop confidence, responsibility and a strong sense of agency.

The School is proud to partner with organisations such as Taree Universities Campus & the Newcastle Knights to further our students opportunities.

In our classroom

If your child demonstrates signs of high potential or giftedness, we encourage you to contact Chatham High School to learn more about our High Potential and Gifted Education (HPGE) opportunities and how we can support and extend their learning journey.

Across our school

If your child demonstrates signs of high potential or giftedness, contact Chatham High School to learn more about our HPGE programs and how we can support and extend their learning journey.

Across NSW

If your child shows signs of high potential or giftedness, contact Chatham High School to learn more about our HPGE opportunities and how we can support their learning journey.