GATE at Kaiapoi High School
GATE is our Gifted and Talented Education programme.
Kia ora! My name is Callum Bell, and I am the coordinator for gifted and talented education here at Kaiapoi High School. In this role, I run a programme designed to foster the diverse range of gifts and talents we have at Kaiapoi High School; it currently consists of three initiatives:
A Google Classroom page which offers students extracurricular opportunities such as competitions, experience days and workshops. These opportunities are provided on an opt-in basis – students are only expected to engage in things they believe they will find personal value in; things that will foster their strengths or expand their horizons.
Occasional compulsory events such as guest speakers. Most recently, this was Jenni Adams, an astroparticle physicist and Rhodes Scholarship recipient who is an ex-student of Kaiapoi High School. Jenni talked to the students about her research, experience with scholarship applications, and the value she places on her education at Kaiapoi High School. Prior to this, we also hosted ex-head student and doctor Ezra Schofield, as well as Brendan Dooley – an international award-winning comedy magician from Christchurch. Ezra taught the students not only about medicine as a profession and a study pathway, but also how to manage life balance, while Brendan spoke to the students of the importance of resilience and choice in the face of tough times.
Optional and informal gatherings in the library for hot drinks and biscuits to allow students to let off steam and discuss whatever is on their mind. This can include things like study tips, stress management, scholarships, how university works and more.
The programme has been designed so that it provides students with additional opportunities that address their needs in a way that doesn’t take time or resources away from their wider school and life experiences. If you think your child would like to be involved in this programme, have a chat to them about it, and get them to come and see me in the Karetū deans’ office!
Callum Bell