Gifted Kids Junior High attracts wide interest

15 August 2002

Press release from Gifted Kids Junior High
For immediate release

Gifted Kids Junior High attracts wide interest

Gifted Kids Junior High instigators were overwhelmed by the attendance at last night's initial public meeting. More than 300 people attended the meeting, which launched the concept of a Gifted Kids Junior High for Auckland.

The meeting attracted a wide range of interest and generated detailed discussion around the special nature of education facilities for gifted kids in New Zealand.

Pam Hook and Robyn MacLeod, Co-Principals of Gifted Kids Junior High presented the philosophy of Junior High.

"Gifted Kids Junior High will recognise the needs of gifted kids in Auckland,” said Mrs Hook. "Gifted kids have unique cognitive, affective, social and cultural needs, and require differentiated learning opportunities."

"Gifted Kids Junior High will be designed to meet the educational, emotional and social needs of these kids and assist them in realising their individual potential across the cultural spectrum of Auckland"

The vision of Gifted Kids Junior High is to raise achievement and reduce disparity for gifted learners in a state school for high intellectual potential students from Y7 to Y10. This project has strong endorsement from the parents of the Gifted Kids Programme currently operating in Tamaki.

The Gifted Kids Programme is making an application to the Ministry of Education for funding for Gifted Kids Junior High, which will operate as a 'Designated Character School' under section 156 of the Education Act 1989.

The Junior High is planning to open in mid 2003/early 2004. Registration of interest in Gifted Kids Junior High is currently being sought from parents of gifted kids in the Auckland area. A second public meeting, where parents are encouraged to bring their children, will be held on Thursday 19 September, at 7 p.m. at the Classic Car Museum, 347 Manukau Rd, Epsom. Dr Tracy Riley will talk about the value of the initiative.

To register your interest in enrolling a gifted student and/or you intention to attend the meeting please contact:

The Gifted Kids Programme Office
Phone 09 309 1045 Fax 09 309 1048
admin@giftedkids.co.nz

ENDS

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