Gifted Online (GO) is a programme of online modules for gifted children. It is designed for students who cannot access a face to face programme or who wish to supplement attendance with additional learning opportunities and who wish to work with a group of like-minded peers. Students can opt into one or both of the two offered GO Online programmes - GO MindPlus and/or Go Badges.
The range of modules caters for different interests and needs and follows the same curriculum as MindPlus. Students joining a GO programme have access to a secure website where they choose their tasks, share their work, and can view the work of other students in their ‘class’.
Online chats add a real-time dimension to communication with teachers and with small groups of other students. Modules use the Google Suite and Zoom as their predominant means of delivery.
All students new to GO need to sit their licence to GO which will help them become familiar with the programme and expectations.
All GO programmes are designed to meet the unique needs of gifted children, and use the NZCGE curriculum.
GO Badges are self-paced, self-directed learning programmes in high-interest areas, offered by Gifted Online, part of the New Zealand Centre for Gifted Education.
They suit learners with high interest in the area, strong motivation to learn and with good technological skill.
GO Badges are currently available in:
Each GO Badge programme begins with a base badge, which then leads on to deeper-dive badges.
Each GO Badge consists of eight modules, each with a series of compulsory and optional activities.
GO Badges can be achieved at three levels: bronze (achieved), silver (merit) and gold (excellence).
Requirements: GO Badges suit students in Year 4 and over. Students require relatively strong reading, comprehension and technological skills, and need to be able to access Google Classroom and Zoom with some independence. Younger students may be able to negotiate a place in the GO Badge programme.
GO Badges require a minimum of thirty minutes per week, up to a maximum of two hours each week. GO Badges are entirely self-paced and there is no time limit for completing each module or each GO badge. On average, completion of a GO Badge takes approximately one school term.
Specialist Tutor Support: NZCGE Specialist Tutors provide on-going support and feedback through Google Classroom and through check-in meetings via Zoom. There are several different meeting times available each week for students to book in to. Students should meet with their Specialist Tutor at least three times over the course of each GO Badge. These check-in meetings ensure that students are on the right track, can have their questions answered, and can receive specialist support. The day, time and tutor of support may vary each week according to student need.
Further Information on each GO Badge:
“Writing is an extreme privilege but it is also a gift. A gift to yourself and also a gift of giving a story to someone else.”(Amy Tan).
Writing comes from the heart and the mind. It is the way we learn about ourselves and others. It is looking in and outward, to the past, the future and yet being very much alive in the present. Writing is where magic happens.People are natural storytellers and story makers. We use stories to explain how things work and find meaning.
Creative thinking is the vehicle for creation. The creation of new and original ideas can come spontaneously but at other times we need a little help or inspiration.
For mankind to move forward, it is important to learn from the past. Understanding the past from a number of perspectives can be incredibly empowering.
One day, the world might be talking about a time that you have experienced or even the impact you have had on history. In this module, we will look into events and people that have changed the world.
If you are lazy, you may very well be an expert mathematician! Yes, lazy people are super-efficient, they find the easiest ways to do things and they never do more than they have to. Mathematicians always have something to prove and are looking for solutions at every opportunity. It may surprise you but mathematicians are also very creative and are open to being challenged. Let’s see if you will cut the mustard.
… like a mathematician.
Creativity and imagination go hand in hand, but they may go unrecognised and under-utilised if they are not backed up with good research, logical thinking and a clear purpose.
Scientists are doers, thinkers and observers, who are always wondering - what, how, why, what if ... They have so many questions in their heads that deserve answers, but they know many might never be answered in their life times. That is the challenge. In this module, we will think and act like scientists.