About high-ability students
High-ability is an umbrella term used to describe high potential and/or performance. High-ability students have abilities that are more advanced in one or more domains of learning than peers of a similar age.
Some high-ability students have a general aptitude that allows them to achieve across a wide range of subjects. Others may exhibit subject specific aptitude. The ability, aptitude and performance of high-ability students will vary. Students with high-ability may also have a disability or learning difficulty, sometimes known as twice exceptional or 2e.
High-ability can manifest in different domains, or in combination. According to Professor Françoys Gagné’s Differentiated Model of Giftedness and Talent, these domains include:
- Intellectual ability: usually manifests in a broad range of academic-focused subjects, speed of learning and complex thinking patterns
- Physical ability: often presents in physical education or dance
- Creative ability: is likely to find expression in the arts
- Advanced social ability: will cut across a variety of subject areas and often finds expression in leadership.
Gagné and others estimate that at least 10% of the population is highly-able in one or more domains.
Reviewed 19 February 2025