Opportunity classes

South Grafton Public School offers an opportunity class, providing specialised support for high potential and gifted students. These students demonstrate advanced learning abilities, often grasping new concepts quickly and easily.

What are opportunity classes?

Opportunity classes are for high potential and gifted students in Year 5 and 6.

Parents/carers apply for opportunity class placement when their child is in Year 3 and can apply up until February 2027, when their child is in Year 4.

You can include up to 4 school choices when you are applying for an opportunity class.

Students in an opportunity class program can expect to:
  • Engage in challenging academic work suited to their advanced abilities.
  • Demonstrate initiative, curiosity, and independent thinking in their learning.
  • Develop problem-solving, critical, and creative thinking skills.
  • Collaborate effectively with peers and participate actively in class discussions.
  • Maintain high standards of conduct and respect for others.
  • Set personal learning goals and reflect on their progress.
  • Use their talents to contribute positively to the school community.
Students in an opportunity class will be exposed to a wide range of teaching and learning strategies including:
  • Inquiry-based learning to encourage curiosity and deeper understanding.
  • Problem-solving activities to develop critical and analytical thinking skills.
  • Collaborative group work to foster teamwork and communication.
  • Differentiated instruction tailored to their learning pace and interests.
  • Project-based learning for hands-on and real-world application of knowledge.
  • Use of technology and digital resources to enhance learning experiences.
  • Independent research and self-directed learning opportunities.
  • Creative thinking tasks that encourage innovation and imagination.
Benefits of attending our opportunity class include:
  • Access to a stimulating and challenging curriculum that nurtures advanced learning.
  • Development of critical thinking, problem-solving, and creative skills.
  • Learning alongside like-minded peers, fostering intellectual and social growth.
  • Opportunities to engage in enriched learning activities and projects.
  • Support for independent learning and personal academic goals.
  • Enhancement of self-confidence and motivation through achievement.
  • Preparation for future academic success in high school and beyond.
  • Development of strong collaboration and communication skills.
  • Encouragement to explore interests and talents in depth.

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

Is selective education the right fit for my child?

High potential and gifted students can be found across diverse family, socio-economic, language, cultural backgrounds, and geographic locations.

Your child may have high academic potential if they demonstrate some of the following:

Note: Not all high potential and gifted students will display all of these characteristics, for example, due to disability, disadvantage and/or lack of opportunity.

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

How do I apply for entry into an opportunity class for my child?

Parents/carers should visit the selective high schools and opportunity classes website to learn more about opportunity classes and selective high schools and complete an online application.

How are students placed in an opportunity class?

Places are offered to students based on their performance on the free computer-based selective education placement tests. Within each co-educational opportunity class and there will be an equal number of places available for girls and boys.

How should my child prepare for the placement tests?

Students may like to do a small amount of preparation for the placement test using the department’s free resources so they know what to expect on test day:

Some practice helps students feel confident and prepared. Coaching is not necessary for sitting the OC placement tests nor is it endorsed by the department.

More information

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

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.