Free opportunities for gifted learners
The Ministry of Education has granted VLN Primary funding to support gifted learners access a range of online learning opportunities free of charge including:
VLN Primary's 2021 prospectus programmes: Choose from a range of languages including te reo, digital technologies, creative arts, literacy, maths and science or integrated programmes such as future planning. Check out what's on offer. 15 or 30 weeks. Classes start week starting 8th March.
Mentor Support: guidance from teachers, peers and professionals for self-motivated learners to develop a burning passion into a project. 25 weeks. Classes start term two.
Gifted & Going Deeper: a programme specifically designed to inspire creativity, personal development and deeper thinking. More info here. This programme would be well suited for Kāhui Ako or a cluster of schools, to work together with the support of their Learning Support Coordinator. 25 weeks. Classes start term two.
Students participating in the gifted package will also have access to OurSpace, a networking portal where learners can connect with like-minded peers to share ideas and socialise.
Who is eligible?
To be eligible for fully funded participation in one or all of the above programmes, students need to be:
- Enrolled in a New Zealand school
- Year 5 - Year 10
- Identified as gifted by their school
There are limited spaces available. Students will be admitted on a first in first served bases for prospectus programmes. Eligibility for Gifted & Going Deeper and Mentoring Support programmes will be discretionary.
Schools enrolling students also agree to several provisions so their students are supported in their online learning.
- a quiet space for students learn online
- appropriate device and reliable internet connection
- regular time in the week for students to participate (1 hour each week for each programme)
- adult support available for students to set up, during Zoom and independent activities (particularly for Going Deeper and Mentorship)
- Complete the enrolment process by 22 Feb 2021 (prospectus programmes) and 31 March 2021 (registering interest for Mentorship & Gifted & Going Deeper)
How it works
Students dedicate an hour each week to their chosen programme/s. On average 30 minutes of this will be video conferencing via Zoom with their peers and/or VLNP teacher. Students will engage with independent activities for the remaining time using Seesaw or Google Classroom. Zoom times will fluctuate substantially with the mentoring programme.
Beyond the learner
All of our online programmes provide learners with opportunities to be extended and challenged in their area of interest. Students from a range of settings are connected which can be particularly important for children from isolated or rural communities. To succeed in their online learning, students need the support of teachers in their home school. Professional support will be provided to teachers and schools to understand the concept of giftedness, and how to support learners in the online setting. Resources and ideas for the classroom are available and opportunities to participate in and comment on learning is encouraged.
Interested? Next steps
1. Talk to your students about what programmes would suit the interests and learning styles of your identified students. Our regular programmes are usually guided by the teacher, whereas the mentorship is student led and requires student self-management and initiative. Students are welcome to participate in both if it is suited.
* Tools for identification can be found on TKI or our VLNP identification template can be used.
2. Register your schools interest with details for the school, the support person for your students, approximate number of gifted students enrolling and their programme type.
3. Prepare for enrolment.
Prospectus programme (including Gifted & Going Deeper): Students can check out the prospectus to see what programmes are of interest, read over the descriptions, and select chosen class.
Mentorship programme: Support students in writing a few paragraphs or creating a 2min video on their chosen project or passion to be used for student selection for the programme.
The enrolment will also ask about available adult support (including the regional Learning Support Coordinator if available), the school gifted identification process, as well as student strengths, interests and learning/behavioural particulars. If you have any questions or need support with these please get in touch.
4. Enrolment! Enrol your students for prospectus programmes (by 22 Feb 2021) and register their interest for Mentorship and Gifted and Going Deeper (up until 31 March 2021).
You will have an opportunity to enrol again for prospectus class placements late in Term 2, depending on funding availability.
Contact rachel.whalley@vln.school.nz if you have any queries.