New Zealand schools are required by the Government’s National Administration Guidelines to identify gifted and talented students and develop programmes to support them. But not all gifted education programmes are created equal. If you're a parent, here’s what to look out for to ensure your child is getting the support they need.
1. Identification
How does your school identify gifted students?
Some schools rely on ability tests or academic performance, but these methods can miss many gifted kids, especially those who aren’t performing well right now but show clear potential. Ask the school:
Does it include students with untapped potential?
Is it considering creativity, leadership, or non-traditional abilities?
2. Acceleration
Acceleration—moving students up a year or grouping by ability—can work well but isn’t the whole solution. Gifted kids often thrive by going deeper into topics, asking big questions, and exploring their interests.
When asking your school about acceleration:
What options are available beyond “going faster”?
How does the school balance depth with speed?
3. Accelerate Classes
Some schools offer full-time gifted classes to bring like minds together. While this can be great, it’s not always the right fit:
Does the class assume gifted kids excel in all areas? Many show asynchronous development (e.g., advanced in math but not in reading).
Is your child comfortable with the “gifted” label every day?
Ask about flexibility—sometimes a mix of grouping and individual support works best.
4. One-Off Extension Activities
Events like writing festivals or science fairs are fantastic experiences, but what about day-to-day learning?
Ask your school:
How is learning differentiated in the classroom?
Are teachers trained to challenge gifted kids without just giving “extra work”?
Gifted students don’t need “more”; they need different work—opportunities to explore deeply, ask big conceptual questions, and pursue passions.
5. Like Minds
Gifted kids thrive when they have a “crew”—peers who think like them, understand them, and form real friendships.
Check if your school:
Brings gifted kids together regularly to build connections.
Balances group activities with individual support.
6. Social and Emotional Skills
Gifted children often need help managing their intense emotions and unique social challenges. A good programme should include coaching on emotional regulation, self-awareness, and relationship skills.
Ask:
Does the school support social-emotional development?
Or is it focused solely on academics?
7. Teacher Training
Gifted children think and learn differently, which can sometimes look like daydreaming, low effort, or even oppositional behavior. Teachers need to understand this to truly support them.
Find out:
How does the school ensure all teachers understand gifted learners?
Are staff trained to adapt teaching methods for these students?
Final Thoughts
Gifted kids need environments that nurture their unique strengths—academically, socially, and emotionally. If your child’s school isn’t offering what they need, consider discussing additional options, like MindPlus, with their teachers.
By asking the right questions, you can help your child find a learning environment where they feel seen, understood, and truly thrive. 🌟
To learn more about gifted kids and the MindPlus programmes we offer for students and for schools, check out our website at neurodiversity.org.nz.