At OLPS, we are committed to meeting the diverse needs of all our students by providing enriching and extended learning opportunities. We recognise that high potential and gifted students deserve rigorous, engaging, and individualised learning experiences that align with their strengths, interests, and academic needs.
S.P.A.R.K. EXTENSION and ENRICHMENT PROGRAM at OLPS
SPARK, which stands for “Supporting Potential Among Remarkable Kids,” is a program designed for high-potential students. This caters to students in K-6 who demonstrate abilities beyond the expected classroom level and require additional academic challenges. Students are identified for the program through a structured process based on the guidelines from the “Identification of Gifted/High Ability Students in the Diocese of Broken Bay, K-12”.
Our High Potential and Gifted Learner co-ordinator, Alison Perosin, collaborates closely with classroom teachers to deliver programmes that cater for our HPGL students. Students are encouraged to ask questions, pursue interests and passions, research and share their learning in a variety of ways. They also have the opportunity to share and discuss their work with peers who share similar interests.
SPARK ACADEMY
We regularly host SPARK academy sessions in collaboration with several other CSBB schools. These sessions cover a wide range of subjects, including mathematics, STEM, drama, literacy, and art, providing students with opportunities to explore and extend their talents.
ENRICHMENT OPPORTUNITIES
At OLPS, every teacher is trained to implement differentiated learning strategies that cater to students’ individual needs, particularly in areas of higher-order and critical thinking. These strategies are embedded in classroom teaching and assessment, enabling students to engage in more complex and challenging work. Our teachers closely monitor student progress, providing opportunities for enrichment through open-ended tasks, Design Thinking, and Thinking Routines. These practices encourage students to think creatively, critically, and collaboratively.
AGAT Testing
From Year 2 onwards our students are tested using the AGAT tool. This testing process identifies students with high capabilities in creative and critical thinking.
Extra-Curricular Enrichment
In addition to our in-class enrichment offerings, OLPS provides a wide range of extra-curricular activities that further challenge and engage students:
STEM
At OLPS, our STEM space offers students hands-on access to a wide range of cutting-edge 21st Century tools and technologies, including Virtual Reality headsets, microbits, robotics, coding resources, and much more. All students visit the STEM space as part of their weekly STEM lessons, where they engage in exciting and innovative learning experiences. The OLPS STEM space is equipped with specialised technology, allowing students to explore and deepen their understanding of STEM concepts under the guidance of our experienced STEM specialist, Mrs Alison Perosin. Students are challenged to solve real world problems using the Design Thinking Model.
As part of our HPGL program, OLPS also has a long-standing partnership with Accenture Technology who facilitate our Day of Code each December.
Virtual Reality
At OLPS, we are proud to be frontrunners in immersive Virtual Reality (VR) technology. Our students are not only exposed to VR as a learning tool, but they also have the opportunity to create their own VR content using cutting-edge VR creation software. This innovative platform allows students to seamlessly integrate VR into their learning experience, empowering them to engage with and reflect on their knowledge in new and dynamic ways. By developing their own VR projects, students gain valuable skills in both creativity and technology, further enhancing their understanding of the subjects they explore.
Debating
At OLPS, students actively participate in the North Shore Cluster Debating Competition, where they have the chance to develop their public speaking and critical thinking skills. Stage 3 students are also invited to compete in the Schools Debating Network Competition, which takes place at a different time during the year. These opportunities allow students to refine their debating abilities, engage in thought-provoking discussions, and represent the school in a variety of competitive settings.
Maths Olympiad
The Maths Olympiad is a distinctive program offered to gifted and high-achieving mathematics students in Stage 3. This prestigious international competition challenges students to apply their mathematical talents in creative ways, solving complex problems alongside peers from Australia and New Zealand. Unlike traditional problem-solving methods, the focus of the Olympiad is on innovative thinking and developing unique approaches to mathematical challenges.
Specialist Music and Band/ School concerts
All OLPS students enjoy specialist music lessons that develop their musical skills, including vocals, instrumental play, and music theory. Those interested in performance can join the school Band, where they collaborate on group pieces. Throughout the year, students showcase their talents in concerts, providing opportunities to perform for peers and families, fostering a love for music and a sense of achievement.
Specialist Art lessons
At OLPS our students have the opportunity to participate in weekly visual arts lessons in our dedicated art room, guided by our specialist art teacher. These lessons encourage creativity and self-expression, allowing students to explore a variety of artistic mediums such as painting, drawing, sculpture, and digital art. Through hands-on activities, students develop their artistic skills while learning about different art styles, techniques, and famous artists. Our art program fosters imagination, enhances problem-solving abilities, and provides students with a platform to showcase their individual talents and creativity.
Public Speaking
At OLPS, students begin learning the art of public speaking from Kindergarten. Every year, all students take part in our school-wide Public Speaking Competition, showcasing their communication skills. Those who excel in Years 6 have the opportunity to advance to the Cluster and Diocesan Competitions, where they compete against the top public speakers from primary schools across the Diocese of Broken Bay.
Chess
At OLPS, students have the exciting opportunity to engage in Chess coaching through the Sydney Academy of Chess. The Academy offers high-quality coaching, designed to foster a deep appreciation for chess while developing strategic thinking and problem-solving skills. Students can choose to participate in a variety of interschool chess competitions throughout the year, putting their skills to the test and competing against other schools. Whether they are beginners or experienced players, students are encouraged to develop their chess abilities and enjoy the game’s challenges and rewards.
Gateways
G.A.T.E.WAYS is an independent, not-for-profit organisation founded in 1994, dedicated to providing opportunities for highly able and gifted children with unique educational needs. Through a range of tailored programs, G.A.T.E.WAYS offers like-minded students the chance to engage in intellectually stimulating challenges that foster the development of their individual talents.