GO!
New Zealand's Online Programme for Gifted Children.
"GO"- Gifted Online an interactive online learning programme specially designed to help teachers and parents cater effectively for the different learning needs of children with exceptional abilities.
What is GO?
The GO site offers an online platform for gifted children who live in rural areas, linking them together through an online teacher. Lessons in the online classroom are built round cross-curricular themes. They involve very advanced high-interest challenges to thinking and imagination. They offer lots of choices across research, experiment, construction, design, problem-solving and creative and artistic production and invention. They teach independent learning skills. They provide for a range of different individual interests and needs. They are fun!
How does it work?
GO children work in "classes" of 12, all about the same age. Each class meets twice weekly for an hour-long discussion session in the GO chatroom. In between, GO children work on both offline and online activities, touch base with the GO teacher at least once in the GO mentor room, and can use the GO bulletin board for reference, access the newspage or research links or talk with each other via email. Each student will have their own homepage. (All parts of the site are password-protected in the interests of safety).
How is it different?
GO is unique in New Zealand. It's not just about "information technology". It's about using computers to bring like minds together to share ideas and interests, challenge each other's thinking, experience true peer companionship and build friendships. GO cares about the whole child and recognises the need gifted children have to meet others like themselves.
Who runs it?
GO is based on New Zealand's leading programme for gifted learners, the One Day School. Both are run by New Zealand's only centre for research and teaching in gifted education, the George Parkyn National Centre for Gifted Education.
Who can join?
GO is for gifted children aged 7 - 12 who live in isolated or rural communities, or in urban areas where they are unable to access the One Day School, giving opportunities for gifted children to work with others of like mind.
How do we know if a child will suit?
GO children like to think, investigate, find out and create. They ask questions other children don't. Sometimes they take your breath away with what they think or do. Sometimes you wonder if they'll ever stop - other times if they'll ever get going! Some do outstanding things at school. Some hate the place. Our assessment process will help you decide!
How does it fit in with school and home?
GO activities are designed to need minimal adult supervision but also to complement classroom and homeschooling programmes. Classroom and home teachers have access to the weekly programme, receive a weekly bulletin and can email the GO teacher. Being part of the GO programme links you also to the Centre and to expert advice and information on living and working with gifted children.
The GO programme itself is equal to about one day's school work each week and is meant to become an integral part of the child's learning programme, not an "extra." This is possible because these children learn faster than others and generally have time to spare in the normal programme. Our experience with One Day School is that gifted children challenged in this way are more satisfied and do better in their normal programme.
Does it cost?
Yes - $45.00 per week. The George Parkyn Centre is a non-profit-making charitable trust and this is a cost-recovery fee only. We are currently also investigating scholarship funding.
How can we enrol a student?
Click here to fill out our registration form and we will send you an information pack outlining how to sign up with GOsite.
"......to go beyond the known......."
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