Kōtui Ako VLN Primary has recognised the need for affordable and specific opportunities for students with gifts and talents.

Connecting like-minds

All of our online programmes provide learners with opportunities to be extended and challenged in their area of interest. Students from a range of settings and throughout Aotearoa are connected, which can be particularly important for children from isolated or rural communities. 

Prospectus programmes

Whether it's a passion for languages, digital technology, science, maths, design or reading and writing, our selection of programmes is forever increasing and can be tailored to suit student needs and talents. Small groups of learners with similar interests come together with an eteacher -  niche learning becomes a reality.  Check out our full prospectus!

The concept of enabling personalised content, connected to passions and strengths, encouraging diversity and student connections is undoubtedly of value to all students, but especially for the gifted and talented community. 

We encourage schools to register students in a prospectus programme so they can get a taste for online learning and whether one of the following gifted-specific programmes would be a good fit. Which programme is a decision best made by the student with support of the school teacher, and possibly our eTeachers.

Complex Thinking

A 25 week online programme specifically designed to inspire critical and creative thinking, and personal development.

Students have the opportunity to connect and explore what makes us unique as learners, as well as alike. We look at theoretical concepts of talent development from leading academics such Françoys Gagné.

We focus on the universal theme each year, such as change. How have we changed in our short lives - our personalities, our interests, our influences, the way we learn? These questions guide students to better understand the way they see and engage in the world around them.

Sustainability

A 25 week online programme specifically designed for students with a passion for the environment and sustainability issues.

Students will delve into issues relating to climate change and environmental justice and unpick proposed solutions. The programme facilitates discussions and tools for collaboration, as well as providing the support for learners to undertake their own environmental action project.

Mentoring 

A 25 week programme for self-motivated students.

Learners who want to take their prospectus programme further have the opportunities to develop a project with a mentor. 

A mentoring project is not suited to all programmes but could be adapted for most if the student is motivated and independent. Projects will be small but impactful. Examples include performing a waiata and sharing the kaupapa, coding an educational game for digital technologies, writing a short story, speech, or poem, creating a website, or producing an artwork to create awareness, creating a resource for learning a language, or designing a brand collection for a small business. 

Next steps

Please use our standard registration process for registration of the school and student details sheet for programme preferences.

Sustainability, Mentoring and Complex Thinking programmes have one intake each year starting Week 1, Term 2; 

Prospectus programmes have two intakes - Week 5, Term 1 and the start of Term 3.

Reach out to our Gifted & Talented Lead Jen Hammonds if you have further questions  jenni.hammonds@kotuiako.school.nz