Stories and highlights

Student Spotlight: Braxton Leads the Way in Sport and Leadership

At Berkeley West Public School, we’re proud to foster the strengths of all students—especially those who show high potential. One such student is Braxton Cook, a Year 6 learner in 5/6M Warrigal, who stands out for his leadership qualities and exceptional physical abilities.

Braxton thrives in physical activity and demonstrates a natural talent for sports. His energy, skills, and commitment to improvement make him a role model on the field and in the classroom. Equally impressive is his leadership: Braxton is well respected by his peers and contributes positively to our school culture.

Recognising his strengths, our school has created unique opportunities for Braxton to develop further. He is currently involved in mentoring Stage 2 students, sharing his sporting knowledge. These initiatives are part of our commitment to nurturing high potential and gifted education (HPGE) learners through enrichment and tailored learning pathways.

At Berkeley West, students like Braxton remind us why personalised education matters. We’re proud to be a school that not only identifies high potential but actively supports students in achieving it.

Bright Beginnings in Kindergarten!

At Berkeley West Public School, we take pride in recognising and nurturing the potential of our students from their earliest years. One of our standout Kindergarten students, Wes Bailey, is already showing remarkable promise, especially in literacy and numeracy.

Wes is a highly engaged and independent learner who delights in making connections between classroom learning and the world around him. His ability to quickly grasp new concepts and think critically has seen him working above grade level in English and Mathematics. Whether it's noticing patterns, reading fluently, or solving complex number problems, Wes approaches learning with enthusiasm and curiosity.

To ensure his talents continue to flourish, our school has implemented a tailored learning plan for Wes. This includes guided writing sessions, hands-on numeracy challenges, and small-group learning opportunities designed to match his capabilities and keep him engaged.

Wes’s journey is a wonderful example of how our school supports high potential and gifted education (HPGE) from the start—offering personalised pathways so that every student can thrive.

Student Spotlight: Cleo’s Creativity Shines Through Art

At Berkeley West Public School, we’re proud to nurture the unique talents of our students. One of our outstanding Year 4 learners, Cleo, has been recognised for her exceptional creativity and skill in drawing.

From a young age, Cleo has used her artwork to express her ideas and emotions with remarkable detail and style. Her sketchbook is filled with vivid characters, intricate patterns, and beautifully drawn animals—especially dragons—that capture the imagination. She confidently experiments with pencils, charcoal, pastels, and watercolours, often combining materials in inventive ways.

Cleo’s creativity extends beyond the art room. She inspires her peers by sharing ideas, demonstrates creative thinking across different subjects, and also enjoys singing and writing with flair.

To support her high potential and gifted education (HPGE) journey, Cleo has access to a personal drawing book, dedicated art time, will be given opportunities to participate in any appropriate art competitions that come along, and the chance to join our lunchtime Art Group. She will also benefit from working alongside our Assistant Principal Curriculum and Instruction when opportunities arise to explore advanced drawing styles.

Cleo’s story is a wonderful example of how our school identifies high potential students and provides the tailored opportunities they need to develop their talents and shine.

Student Spotlight: Leticia’s Musical Journey

At Berkeley West Public School, we are proud to nurture the diverse talents of our students. One of our outstanding Year 6 learners, Leticia, is making her mark through her passion and skill in music.

A confident pianist, Leticia regularly performs at school assemblies, often volunteering to share her skills and support her peers. Her talent has already been recognised beyond our school community, with her acceptance into the Wollongong High School of Performing Arts for 2026.

In class, Leticia demonstrates dedication, respect, and pride in her work. She applies herself fully to her learning, and her love of music shines through in every performance. She is also exploring ways to integrate her musical abilities into classroom projects across English, Geography, and PDHPE—demonstrating her creativity and leadership in new and exciting ways.

Leticia’s journey is a powerful example of how Berkeley West Public School identifies high potential students and provides them with personalised opportunities to thrive. We are excited to see her continue to grow as a performer, composer, and leader in the years ahead.

Student Spotlight: Pixie’s Creativity and Curiosity

At Berkeley West Public School, we take pride in recognising and nurturing the diverse talents of our students. One of our high potential learners, Pixie, demonstrates outstanding creativity, critical thinking, and a remarkable gift for language.

Pixie’s expressive and receptive vocabulary places her in the top percentile for her age, and she has an impressive knowledge of the world around her. Her curiosity and concentration allow her to grasp new ideas quickly and explore them in depth. When engaged in areas of interest, Pixie is intrinsically motivated and thrives on opportunities to take control of her learning.

Her love of creative projects shines through in the stories she writes and the craft projects she designs, where her imagination and skill combine beautifully. At Berkeley West, we support Pixie’s talents by providing opportunities for choice, challenge, and creative exploration—ensuring she continues to be inspired and extended in her learning.

Pixie is a wonderful example of how our school identifies high potential students and provides the right opportunities for them to grow and shine.