Tuesday 13 December 2016

End of 2016


I have had a great year working with all the Quest children. 

Best of luck to the year 6's who leave us to go to intermediate / college. I know you will do well with your curiosity, questioning, problem solving and deep thinking. Remember that deep learning is effective learning - it's good to feel challenged and go into the 'learning pit', even though it may feel uncomfortable at times. Keep striving to challenge yourself.  It has been a pleasure getting to know you all. Please keep in touch if you can - I love to hear how you are going. 


I look forward to working with the rest of the students again in 2017.


Have a Merry Christmas and a relaxing holidays. 




Welcome information

Hi and welcome to Quest Whangaparaoa. 

Quest is an enrichment class for children identified as gifted and talented. My name is Debbie Thompson and I am the GATE (Gifted and Talented Education) coordinator for Whangaparaoa School. I also teach the Quest classes.

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 realize 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 http://gifted.tki.org.nz/For-parents-and-whanau  There are two key documents on the parents and whanau page - books written by the ministry. They are both good - especially 'Nurturing gifted and talented children - a parent/teacher  partnership'. This is an online e-book, but can be found in hard copy at Auckland libraries - 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/


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.







Term 1 concept - PROGRESS

 This term we are looking at the concept of progress through various topics.  We are looking at what makes progress possible - advances in i...