Opportunity Class

At Chatswood Public School there are two Opportunity Classes - Year 5 and Year 6, with 30 students in each class. Entry to the classes is via academic merit only. Opportunity classes are one of the ways that the department supports high potential and gifted students. These are students who learn faster and more easily than others.

For further information see the Inspire – High potential and gifted education Policy (HPGE). Read about the selective high school and opportunity class policy.

Learning in the OC looks differently than the class your child will be coming from. Students engage in a variety of differentiated learning activities that will challenge their thinking and extend their learning. This may be through project based learning, coding (Python, HTML, Blockly), Maths Olympiad and/or a range of programs we offer through the Australian Mathematics Trust.

The Opportunity Class teachers at Chatswood Public School have further qualifications in teaching HPGE through the University of New South Wales.

Benefits of attending our opportunity class

Students learn with classmates who have similar academic ability.

Teachers use special teaching methods to move students through the curriculum at a faster pace and in more depth.

Students tell us they love learning with other like-minded students.

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

You can apply to our opportunity class even if our school is outside your local enrolment area.

Is the Opportunity Class the right fit for my child?

Talk with your child about this option. Together, look over the information on our website and in the Student Resource Hub.

Your child might have high intellectual potential if they:

enjoy learning

are intensely curious

display a good memory

ask complex questions

enjoy learning new and often complex ideas or skills

require fewer repetitions when learning new things

are creative

become intensely focused in their area of interest or passion.

Please note that not all gifted students will show all of these traits. This may be due to disability, disadvantage or lack of opportunity.

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

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Opportunity classes help students learn by:

grouping them with other high potential and gifted students
using special teaching methods so students can learn concepts in more detail and more quickly.
supporting their wellbeing needs.

Most students in opportunity classes enjoy learning more when their classmates have similar abilities and interests.

Students entering the Opportunity Class program at Chatswood Public School have the opportunity to be involved in a range of extra curricular activities including music, dance and choir.

An OC orientation day, via invitation, is held mid Term 4 each year for students and their families who have accepted a place in the Year 5 Opportunity Class for the following year. At this orientation day, details such as uniform, canteen, extra curricular activities and other processes to Chatswood Public School are discussed. Students will also meet existing OC students and get a taste of what learning might look like at our school.