Comprehensive schools cater for the full range of learners including the gifted and talented.  Whilst every learner is unique, some types of learners need particular attention.
Gifted students are those whose potential is distinctly above average in one or more of the following domains of human ability: intellectual, creative, social and physical.
Talented students are those whose skills are distinctly above average in one or more areas of human performance.  Gifted and talented students vary in terms of the nature and level of their abilities.
Gifted and talented students benefit from a number of oppotunities, programs and strategies that recognise their abilities (gifts) and enhance their performance (talents).

Every faculty has a policy for talented students, and a talented program.  This meets the Department of Eduction & Training requirements.
We foster student talent with our excellence in teaching and learning. Research shows that with learning, training and practice student gifts may become talents.
Motivation, self confidence and environment all play a significant part in developing gifts into talents, and Penshurst is the ideal learning environment.
Our structured programs are based on the latest research in gifted development.
Since 2001 the number of students in the highest bands has increased every year.

How we extend our students
In school:
• Accelerated curriculum programs in Information Processes and Technology for talented students selected by entrance tests, where students complete the HSC early.
• Talented classes in all core subjects in Years 8 to 10 selected by published criteria from student assessments.
• Differentiated curriculums extend our most talented within elective classes.
• Higher Order Thinking Tasks and Assessments.  Learning and assessment tasks are not simply about information, but include complex thinking; problem solving and critical evaluation, research portfolios and design tasks.

Outside school:
• Leadership opportunities such as the SRC and Leadership conferences and camps.
• Cultural pursuits for talented students in Drama and Art, Dance ensembles, Music tutorials and the Band.
• Sporting opportunities in Gym, Knockout competitions, State carnivals and Australia wide competitions.

         Year 7
Digital Photography

Australia Wide Links
• Gifted and Talented workshops led by experts in English, Science, Maths and Music.
• Gifted and Talented Science programs eg. Forensic Camp, Sydney University Gifted and Talented competition and the Siemen’s Summer School.
• Australia Wide competitions in English, Maths, Science, Computing and Languages; State Competitions in Debating, Public Speaking, Writing and Poetry; Mock Trials; Tournament of  the Minds, Web Design competitions and the Minister’s Young Designers’ Award.

Guaranteeing Staff Expertise
• Since 2002, the school has regularly spent over $100,000 per annum on staff training in a broad range of Gifted and Talented programs.
• The school was awarded a Director General’s Award for excellence in professional learning in 2005.
• Staff trained in the internationally recognised 4MAT system to give relevance and structure to teaching and learning.
• The School staff trained in Quality Teaching, emphasising intellectual quality in student classwork and assessment.
• Staff professionally developed at the University of NSW Gifted and Talented Outreach Program.

“I like lessons where I touch and see things, and when we have discussions”.

Hannah
 Year 8

In 2009 we shall be offering a discrete gifted and talented class in Year 7.  Year 6 students applying for enrolment in Year 7, 2009 have an opportunity to apply for this class.