High potential and gifted education (HPGE)

• HPGE classes. Our High Achievers classes in Years 7 - 10 are designed for students who grasp new material quickly and are achieving well above average in literacy, numeracy or course content.
• Courses offered at the highest level of study. We run Extension 1 & 2 Mathematics and English, and History Extension.
• Advance learning pathways, including accelerated and compacted content in Science. Students demonstrating HPGE in Science are able to complete the Stage 5 (ie Years 9 & 10) Science program in Year 9. In Year 10, students commence Preliminary HSC Investigating Science.
• Evidenced-based teaching. Our teachers engage students using a wide range of evidence-based techniques for students' intellectual development. This includes differentiation through the types of content learned, processes used in their learning and the types of products created. Strengths-based feedback and goal setting support students to take ownership of their learning.​ Opportunities for leadership within the classroom and for structured peer collaboration and reflection ensure that high potential and gifted learners are consistently challenged and supported.​ Further information on the research basis of our educational practices can be found at - https://education.nsw.gov.au/teaching-and-learning/high-potential-and-gifted-education/HPGE-research
• Access to subjects via Distance Education, NSW Community Languages Schools and other providers for student acceleration and extension.

Muirfield offers a wide array of programs to engage and extend students in the intellectual, creative, physical and social/emotional domains. Our HPGE programs include:

• Partnerships with industry, universities, community organisations and our Alumnito provide authentic pathways for future success.
• Community of learning with our feeder primary schools where Muirfield students mentor local primary school students through workshops, including gifted visual art classes, writing competitions, practical science lessons, dance workshops, debating competitions, band links. By becoming the expert and teaching others, Muirfield students develop leadership and communication skills and deepen their knowledge and skills.
• Academic competitions, including the Australian Mathematics Competition, Royal Australian Chemical Institute - Chemistry Quiz, Science Olympiad in Junior Science, Biology, Chemistry, Physics and Earth & Environmental Science.
• Extensive CAPA extra-curricular programs, including concert bands, dance troupes, choir, guitar groups, drama club, backstage (sound and lighting) crew, rock band, art club.
• Annual CAPA events, including MADD @ Riverside Theatre, SummerArts Festival, Hawkesbury Eisteddfod, CAPA Week master classes with outside artists and professional performers.
• Interschool debating competitions which help our students to build logical arguments and confidence in public speaking.
• Student leadership programs, including Student Representative Council, peer support, student executive, Mitchell Leadership Forum, student-led special interest groups such as Dungeons and Dragons.
• Extensive competitive sporting opportunities, including state knock-out teams, swimming/athletics/cross country carnivals.
• Agricultural competitions and participation in agricultural shows.
• Specialised STEM programs.

Being part of the largest educational system in Australia, provides our students with access to a range of state-wide and regional programs that support student growth across the creative, intellectual, physical, and social-emotional domains of potential. Currently, our students are accessing programs that include:

• Schools Spectacular, the iconic performing arts event that celebrates the talents, diversity and creativity of students from across NSW public schools.
• Pulse Alive, performing arts showcase.
• Premier's Reading Challenge.
• Premier's Debating Challenge.
• State and regional instrumental and vocal ensembles (e.g. Millennium Marching Band, Won't enter them twice.State Wind Orchestra, Regional Symphony Orchestra, Regional String Ensemble, State Choirs) which hone our students’ musical skills, discipline and ensemble awareness.
• Premier’s Sporting Challenge (PSC) promotes whole-school participation in physical activity with leadership pathways and professional learning.
• The Representative School Sport Pathway and CHSSA events enable our students to trial and compete in sports at regional, state and national levels, fostering discipline, commitment and collaboration.
• Participation in state-wide dance ensembles develops our high potential and gifted dance students’ technical skills, performance presence and physical expressiveness.