More than 170 Year 5 and 6 students from across the Hunter came together over three days to challenge and extend themselves with peers who have the same passions and talents.

The Hunter Supa Nova camp at the Point Wolstoncroft Sport and Recreation Centre in Darkinjung country was organised by six dedicated Department employees of the Hunter High Potential and Gifted Education Committee to inspire excellence among students.

One of the organisers, Valentine Public School Relieving Deputy Principal, Jane Pankhurst, said it was a unique opportunity for like-minded students to spark off each other, guided by specialist teachers.

“This was a challenging and enriching experience for all the students taking part,” Ms Pankhurst said.

“The students chose from a wide range of electives and studied them together in detail with hand-picked expert primary and high school teachers, and private tutors.

“They’ve gone back to their schools with new knowledge, skills and confidence that they can apply in their own classrooms, sharing their experiences and ideas with their classmates and teachers.”

Forty-eight schools from as far afield as Denman and Mudgee to Shoal Bay and Nords Wharf were represented, with 18 specialist educators attending across the three days.

The electives covered maths, science, English, visual arts, technology, ‘The Big Buzz’ (environmental education and bees), and history.

It was also a very social experience, with opportunities to take part in sports not always offered at school, like kayaking and archery, a games night and a movie night.