The Treehouse - opportunity class

Learn how to enrol at our school. Our school has a non-selective stream and an opportunity class. Opportunity classes are for high potential and gifted students in Year 5 and 6. Parents apply when students are at the end Year 3 or the beginning of Year 4 for placement in Year 5. It is a 2-year program (Year 5 to 6). Parents cannot apply for Year 6 placement only.

At Balmain Public School, we have two Opportunity Classes (OC). Students in our Year 5 and 6 OC cohort work collaboratively across our flexible learning space, the 'Treehouse'.

Guided by the NSW Department of Education's High Potential and Gifted Education Policy, we provide students with systematic instruction to nurture their potential and gifts into talent. Our explicit teaching experiences are structured according to the needs of gifted students, using a variety of differentiation and grouping strategies.

Students also participate in Project-Based Learning programs, that look to embedding meaningful cross-curriculum opportunities. These 'low floor, high ceiling' open-ended learning activities are specifically designed to facilitate a dynamic and collaborative learning environment, in which students are engaged and encouraged to integrate their personal interests and strengths within their learning.

How to apply for entry into our opportunity class

Unlike NSW public schools, there are no intake areas for opportunity classes. Enrolment is by application only. You can apply to up to 4 schools.

Apply online

Steps:

1. Visit Selective high school and opportunity class placement
2. Register to start your application.
3. Verify your email address
4. Log in
5. Complete all sections of the application form
6. Submit the application form
7. Student sits the placement test
8. Family is advised of the outcome.

You must submit a separate application form for each school and list the schools in the same order of preference.

Late applications

The application period cannot be extended. Make sure you submit your application before the closing date. For more information, check key dates.

Other enrolment details for our school

Our school might have extra steps for enrolment. Our office staff are here to help, so contact us if you have any questions.

School contributions

In NSW public schools, all financial contributions are voluntary. Every student has full access to the curriculum, regardless of whether contributions are made.

For more information, see Voluntary school contributions on the Department of Education's website.

Download our enrolment form

If you don’t want to enrol online, you can download and fill out the enrolment form. Then hand it in at our school's front office.

Application to enrol in a NSW government school (PDF 696KB)

What makes us a great choice for your child?

Learn about our values, what we offer, and why families trust us to support their child’s learning and growth. See our top programs, student support and what families say about our school.

Why choose us?

Visit us before you enrol

Does your child need extra support?

Our learning and support team is here to help. Visit Additional learning support before you complete the enrolment form to learn how we can best support your child.

Learn more