GATE – Opportunities for Extension and Enrichment 

Whangaia ka tupu ka puāwai 
That which is nurtured, blossoms and grows

Gifted Learners
The term “gifted” is often used to describe students with a range of exceptional abilities, many of which have indicators in the early childhood years. Some common indicators include:

• Curiosity
• Advanced interests and academic achievements
• Imagination and creativity
• Sensitivity and empathy
• Mātauranga

Māori giftedness also includes personal qualities such as manaakitanga, katiakitanga, and tikanga, grounded in Māori kaupapa. 

Talented Learners
“Talented” students have advanced abilities in particular areas, for example, ngā mahi a rēhia including art, music, or sport. 

Here at Mount Maunganui College, we offer our rangatahi a wide variety of courses and extracurricular activities which opportunities for extension and enrichment fall naturally out of. We work with our students to ensure their needs are met. In addition to in-class choices and extension tasks, many opportunities arise out of our subject areas, for example, Model United Nations, Young Innovators’ Award, Debating, Wānanga, and Writing Group. We also have a multitude of extracurricular clubs, teams, and competitions, including social action groups, school councils, Whaikorero Competition, the Duke of Edinburgh Award, and Evolocity. 

Some MMC students are offered individual academic pathways because of their exceptional academic abilities. All of these require consultation from teachers. Some examples include:

• A student who has excelled in a single subject may be offered the opportunity to take a higher level course. 
• At Year 13, our highest academic achievers are offered the chance to complete a university paper via distance learning. These papers generally come from Canterbury and Waikato Universities. There is a cost to the student and a staff member in the subject area acts as a support person for the student. 
• A gifted student may study a subject not offered at our college via correspondence. 
• A student may be offered one or more additional NCEA Achievement Standards in a subject or be assessed at a higher level.
• Year 13 subjects can sit a Scholarship exam for subjects they excel in. 
• Twice-exceptional students (intellectually gifted students who have a learning and/or physical disability) may have individual programs (IEPs). This is arranged in consultation with any external agencies involved; the student; caregivers; and the SENCO staff. 
• Athlete Development Time is offered to students who excel in a sport. 

In the junior school, extension and enrichment curriculum-centered programs offered include the Sports Performance class (application only) for students with the potential to become elite athletes; the Elite Performing Arts class (entry by audition); and the Design Learning class. 

Contact - GATE Facilitator - Sandra Gillies 
sandrag@mmc.school.nz