In our classroom

We identify students' learning needs in the classroom and use evidence-informed teaching practices to challenge and extend students. We provide learning pathways, including enrichment, extension programs and acceleration opportunities

Across our school - The NEST Partnership

Our school identifies and supports students with high potential through targets enrichment, extension and extra-curricular opportunities across all HPGE domains (Academic, Physical, Creative and Social/Emotional) with activities such as debating, public speaking, critical thinking workshops, STEM, NSW Knockout Competitions, Dance, Music and Choir groups, Student Representative Council.

Narrabeen Sports High School is a proud member of 'The NEST' - The Narrabeen Elanora Student and Teacher Collaboration (Narrabeen North PS, Elanora Heights PS, Narrabeen Lakes PS and Narrabeen Sports High School). This local initiative is innovative, purpose driven and community based, focused on creating opportunities for students to engage in select activities that encourages problem solving skills, collaborative work and critical and creative thinking.

The NEST 2025 Overview

Across NSW

Our students participate in a wide range of statewide programs to extend and enrich student potential.

HGPE - Intellectual Domain

We support intellectually high-potential students through structured pathways, targeted programs and differentiated classroom practices. This includes AIM and Horizon application processes, streamed classes (including Stage 5 and senior extension classes), HPGE referrals, and access to Distance Education for specialised subjects. Students can participate in enrichment opportunities such as STEM excursions, ICAS, academic competitions, Challenge and Maths Talented Days, Debating, the Premier’s Spelling Bee and Homework Club. Teaching practices include differentiation, recognition of prior learning, student choice in tasks, cross-faculty projects, targeted questioning, novel extensions and research-based learning opportunities such as Stage 5 Science SRP.

HGPE - Physical Domain

Our Physical domain is supported through our Academy programs, representative pathways and specialised support for talented athletes. Students can access Sports Academy trials (Year 6), elite athlete exemptions, flexible timetables and Talented Athlete Learning Support. Programs include Grade Sport, representative teams, SHSA competitions, VET Sport Coaching, Strength and Conditioning, guest speakers, external coaching and physiotherapy services. Classroom and program practices include peer coaching, mentoring, Academy Captains, HPGE weights room sessions and embedded strength and conditioning within academy programs.

HGPE - Creative Domain

Our school provides a wide range of opportunities for students to develop and showcase their creative talents across the performing and visual arts. Students can engage in enrichment experiences such as Arts Camp, Band, MADD, Soirees, Tuesday Tunes, School Spectacular, Academy Dance and competitions, Drama Ensemble, and Battle of the Bands. Visual Arts electives in Years 7 and 8 and VET Entertainment also allow students to lead and produce events including assemblies and presentations. Creative expression is embedded in classroom practice through visual representations, performances, peer teaching and extension opportunities within teaching programs.

HGPE - Social / Emotional Domain

We foster leadership, wellbeing and personal growth through structured programs and mentoring opportunities. Students can engage in SRC, Prefect Team, SSLT, Peer Support, NEST Leadership, leadership development afternoons, parliament visits and international student mentoring. Additional programs such as the Elite Athlete Mentorship Program, Sanda-Guakan program, band mentoring and mentoring of primary students support social and emotional development. Teaching practices emphasise collaboration, empathy-building tasks, peer mentoring, coaching and leadership opportunities across academic and extracurricular settings.

Phase 1

Parent completes AIM application form

The application should include of the following:

• A 2026 sample of original writing completed by the student in their own handwriting

(to be completed at home - e.g. either a poem, short story or a factual piece of writing)

• Copies of recent certificates or evidence (ie photos) related to achievement in competitions, awards, etc.

These can be in or outside of school.

• A copy of the most recent school report

• A copy of the most recent NAPLAN results

Please note, not all students who apply for the AIM class will receive a position in the AIM intake session. Students who were not successful in obtaining a place in this session will be notified in writing.

Phase 2

Intake session at NSHS including student interview

The AIM Panel (consisting of the Year 7 Deputy Principal, Head Teacher Secondary Studies and HPGE Domain Coordinators) will review the applications and invite short-listed students to an AIM intake session at Narrabeen Sports High School in Term 3, Week 9.

When students receive notification of a position at the AIM intake session, they will receive further information regarding how to effectively prepare for this. Essentially, students will be involved in a workshop focused on independent and group critical and creative thinking skills that will include the completion of an open-ended mathematics problem-solving task.

Furthermore, they will engage in an individual interview with a panel of staff from Narrabeen Sports High School. During this interview, we would like to get to know your child better, talk through their achievements and discuss their learning goals and interests.

Phase 3

Notification of application outcome

Successful students will be notified in writing in Term 4 2025. Where the number of short-listed students exceeds the number of places available, a reserve list will be established.

No further information about the reserve list will be available following initial notification in writing. Should a place become available for those placed on the reserve list parents/carers will be notified immediately in rank order. Parents/carers must confirm an offer of enrolment by the date indicated in the notification letter. Failure to do so will cancel the offer and allow the place to be made available to another student.

Placement in the AIM class is competitive and merit based. Students in this class are individually supported through case management by AIM staff throughout their learning journey and parent/carers will be notified if we have any concerns so that additional supports may be put in place.

Review process

A request for a review of the decision in relation to the process implementation can only be made and should be made to: Principal, and Year Group Deputy, Narrabeen Sports High School, 10 Namona Street North Narrabeen 2101.

The AIM panel will coordinate all information concerning placement in the Year 7 AIM class. For further information please phone the school on 9913 7820 or send an email to Narrabeen-h.school@det.nsw.edu.au - please mark “Attention HPGE Co-ordinator AIM Program” in the subject line.

Special consideration process

Students who are offered enrolment at Narrabeen Sports High School outside of the AIM application time frame due to moving into the area later in the year or via a late non-local enrolment offer may be considered via the special consideration process.

In this circumstance, please complete the application with the student portfolio and submit it and email Narrabeen-h.school@det.nsw.edu.au - please mark "2027 AIM Special Consideration Application" in the subject line and inform us why you will like to be considered.

Parents/carers will be contacted, in writing, if their young person’s application was successful before the end of the 2026 school year.