Information

WHAT DOES IT MEAN TO BE GIFTED? 
Whangaparaoa School definition:
"Gifted students at Whangaparaoa School are those with the potential to achieve outstanding performance related to other students of the same age, in one or more areas of human endeavour. Talented students are those who demonstrate exceptional ability in one or more areas. They require differentiated educational programmes and/ or services, (such as social and emotional support) in order to realise their contribution to self and society. "


WOULD YOU LIKE TO KNOW MORE?

A great website to look at if you would like further information is the Ministry of Education's website TKI gifted  https://gifted.tki.org.nz/define-and-identify/characteristics-of-the-gifted-and-talented/ There is a good book written by the Ministry of Education - 'Nurturing gifted and talented children - a parent/teacher  partnership'. I can send you a copy as an online e-book, but it can also be found in hard copy at Auckland libraries - a few years old now but well worth a read.


Another useful website is NZAGC (NZ Association for Gifted Children). They have a discussion forum that can be useful for connecting with other parents of gifted children. The Auckland Branch - Explorers - also runs great club days in the weekends. http://www.giftedchildren.org.nz/  There are also facebook groups for parents of gifted children that are very supportive if you have any questions. 


HOW ARE CHILDREN IDENTIFIED?

  • Teacher observation and identification of traits - using quantitative (test data) and qualitative (observation, discussion) assessment.
  • Parent nomination - discuss with Mrs Thompson or class teacher if you feel your child may have signs of giftedness. You will be given a checklist to fill in to help us further understand your child.
  • Cognitive Ability Screening - children identified as possibilities with the above methods are put forward for a screening test with a level C assessor, using the Woodcock Johnson III Tests of Cognitive Abilities (BIA). Parents will be notified - there is a charge to parents to help cover costs for this.
  • Formal gifted assessments from an Educational Psychologist are recognised. Please provide the GATE coordinator with a copy.

CHARACTERISTICS OF GIFTEDNESS - from NZ Association of Gifted Children website

Giftedness is involuntary – a natural gift. It gives no cause for claims of elitism.
Out of every hundred children, approximately five can be classified as “gifted”, yet only a small proportion may be identified as such in school.
Some may be very lonely because their interests do not match those of their peers. They may have difficulties at school because of their unconventional behaviour and questioning attitude. They can become distressed through frustration and boredom, or through imbalance between their intellectual and emotional development. They may deny their intelligence and underachieve so as to become more acceptable to their peers. They may become troublemakers.
We need to recognise and cater for gifted children to ensure this does not happen.
The following are some signs of giftedness:
  • an early interest in surroundings
  • super-sensitivity to surroundings
  • strong curiosity and powers of observation
  • an extensive vocabulary
  • an exceptional memory
  • may talk early and fluently
  • the ability to read early – often self-taught
  • can choose to concentrate for long periods
  • the propensity to ask shrewd/unusual questions
  • the ability to grasp ideas quickly
  • a “quirky” sense of humour

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