Opportunity classes
North Rocks Public School runs two Opportunity ('OC') classes: one in Year 5 and one in Year 6. Thirty students are offered a place in Year 5, and they remain in the program until the end of Year 6. These classes provide an exciting and intellectually stimulating learning environment for academically gifted students.
At NRPS, our Opportunity Class teachers have specialised qualifications in gifted education. Our program has been developed to provide an engaging curriculum that places academic rigour at its centre while also emphasising the emotional and social development of each student.
Opportunity classes are one of the ways that the department supports high potential and gifted students.
- work and think creatively and critically
- question why things are as they are
- be inspired
- be challenged and to challenge thinking
- experience success.
- study English, Mathematics, PDHPE, Science, Technology, History, Geography, Music, Drama and Visual Arts
- have the same opportunities for sport and extra-curricular activities as every other student in the grade
- attend school camps, attend assemblies, and have opportunities for leadership positions.
- learn at an advanced rate
- work and share ideas and solutions with peers
- work on complex tasks finding creative solutions to problems
- involve themselves in a wide range of school activities widening their social and academic involvement.
- extension activities designed to deepen student's understanding of themes and concepts
- accelerated learning designed to optimise the impact of teaching
- open ended activities
- testing ideas, researching and group tasks.
Benefits of attending our opportunity class
- Students learn with classmates who have similar academic ability.
- Our NRPS Opportunity Class teachers have additional qualifications in gifted education. They 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.
OC students have the opportunity to complete collaborative lessons with the students in our Year 5 and 6 Enrichment classes, broadening their opportunities to make like-minded friends.
You can apply to our opportunity class even if our school is outside your local enrolment area.
Is an 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.
More information
For more information about opportunity classes visit Selective high schools and opportunity classes.
"Opportunities" that may await you in our NRPS Opportunity Class
What do some of our OC students get up to outside of school?
In 2026, three students from James Ruse Agricultural High School were chosen to attend a mathematical training camp run by the Australian Mathematics Trust. Two of them were former NRPS OC students. Congratulations Ryan and Jungwoo.
Adit, one of our former OC students, was named the Kids News national junior journalist of the year when he was in Year 6! Adit's skills were put to good use in our Stage 3 Media team.
Core Subjects
Information on the core subjects taught at our school.
Extra-curricular activities
Information on the extra-curricular activities offered at our school.