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Question and Answer Tracking Details

2594 - SUPPORTING HIGH-POTENTIAL AND INTELLECTUALLY GIFTED STUDENTS IN THE KIAMA ELECTORATE

Ward, Gareth to the Deputy Premier, Minister for Education and Early Learning, and Minister for Western Sydney

Regarding the accessibility and availability of Opportunity Classes in the Shoalhaven region:

(1)    Could the Minister provide detailed enrolment figures for OCs within the Shoalhaven region over the past ten years, broken down by:

(a)    The number of Year 5 students; and

(b)    The number of Year 6 students?

(2)    Of the 1840 places available in Year 5 for OCs across NSW in 2024, how many places are filled and how many remain vacant?

(3)    Specific to the Shoalhaven, what is the reasoning behind the reported reduction in OC places, particularly with reference to adjustments like those at Illaroo Road Public School?

(4)    What consultation with the school was undertaken in reducing the number of OC places at Illaroo Road Public School?

(5)    How many students are currently enrolled in Years 5 and 6 across public schools in the Shoalhaven region and at what schools?

(6)    What specific measures are being taken to ensure that academically gifted students in the Shoalhaven region continue to have access to the advanced learning opportunities necessary for reaching their full potential?

(7)    How does the Department of Education intend to address community concerns regarding OC availability and ensure equitable access to high-quality educational opportunities for all students across NSW, irrespective of their geographic location?

(8)    How many teaching positions will be removed as a result of the publicly announced reduction in OC places at Illaroo Road Public School?
Answer -
SUPPORTING HIGH-POTENTIAL AND INTELLECTUALLY GIFTED STUDENTS IN THE KIAMA ELECTORATE

Opportunity Classes are just one of the ways NSW public schools support high potential and gifted students. The High Potential and Gifted Education (HPGE) policy (https://education.nsw.gov.au/policy-library/policies/pd-2004-0051) supports all schools to optimise talent development for students across 4 domains of potential: intellectual, creative, physical and social-emotional.

The department is committed to ensuring that the educational needs of all high potential and gifted students can be met in their local public school.

Illaroo Road Public School has been unable to fill its opportunity classes (OCs) in recent years due to a reduction in demand.

Opportunity Class places will continue to be offered at Illaroo Road Public School.

Question asked on 14 March 2024 (session 58-1) and printed in Questions & Answers Paper No. 46
Answer received on 18 April 2024 and printed in Questions & Answers Paper No. 50

The Parliament of New South Wales acknowledges and respects the traditional lands of all Aboriginal people, and pays respects to all Elders past and present. We acknowledge the Gadigal people as the traditional custodians of the land on which the Parliament of New South Wales stands.