Gifted and Talented Education
Schools are required to keep a register of gifted and talented students and demonstrate that we are catering for their needs.
Definition
Gifted and Talented students at Matakana School are those who demonstrate exceptional talent, ability, or potential in one or more areas, in relation to their peers of the same age, culture or circumstances.
Characteristics
Characteristics (behaviours, qualities and abilities) manifested by gifted and talented students, which may be observed by teachers, parents/whanau and peers, including reference to learning styles and behaviours, creative thinking, motivation, social leadership and self-determination.
Identification
Identification is an ongoing process, which considers potential as well as demonstrated performance. Identification is a multi method approach based on observation, discussion with students, formal testing and assessment tasks. Identification can involve input from teachers, peers, parents and whanau.
Tracking
GATE students are identified from OTJs, Priority Student Data, tracking data on E-tap and names recorded on the GATE register.
Programmes
Gifted and Talented Students at Matakana School require differentiated programmes to meet their needs and develop their potential. Differentiation requires a responsive learning environment and modification of content, process and product.
Matakana GATE Years 1 - 4
The emphasis of GATE within the junior school will be on identifying and nurturing GATE students within the classroom.
Kodable: Students in Year 1 & 2 run the Kodable Program, which teaches basic coding skills in problem solving scenarios that increase in complexity. Students can express their talent in Mathematical reasoning and Digital literacy.
Inquiry learning: Learning is packaged in broad concepts to provide scope for students to follow their own passions, interests and talents. Teachers work to facilitate learning, giving students the opportunity to develop their individual passions and talents.
Move and Groove: This biannual dance event is an opportunity to highlight talents and giftedness in the performing arts. Students who excel in this area not only have the chance to perform in the show, they are also invited to help choreograph their class dance.
Reporters: This is a chance for children who show aptitude in articulating their thoughts, feelings and ideas to extend themselves in front of their peers in class and go that extra mile.
Writing: Exposure to higher order writing features with emphasis on editing
Art: Children who have a natural aptitude for the arts are exposed to many different ways of expressing themselves with many chances for student efficacy and extension.
Sport Coach: Each class receives four structured sports lessons per term by our sports coordinator additional to weekly sport undertaken in the class program. These lessons provide opportunity for those with a talent in sport to excel and be extended.
Lego Wedo 2.0: 2019 is the first year that Years 3 and 4 have had the use of the Lego Wedo 2.0 Robotics kits. These kits allow for the integration of Inquiry Learning, Digital Technologies, 21st Century Skills and Key Competencies within regular classroom programmes. The use of this technology allows students who are gifted in areas of leadership and digital technologies to explore and extend their talents.
Matakana GATE Years 5 & 6
The emphasis of GATE within the senior school will be on identifying and nurturing GATE students within the classroom and also extending the opportunities outside the school.
Elite Sport: Each year, our high performing athletes in swimming, cross country and athletics get the chance to represent the Rodney team at the Hibiscus coast competitions. The school pays for all entry costs.
Vector EPro8 Challenge: The school enters three teams into the inter-school science and engineering competition.
