ONE DAY SCHOOL TURNS TEN!

The 22nd of May 2006 marks ten years from when the first One Day School class was held in the crypt of an Auckland church.

One Day School is a programme which caters to the special needs of gifted children.

There are now 34 classes held every week in venues in Auckland, Tauranga, Hamilton, Hawkes Bay, Wellington, Christchurch, Dunedin and Palmerston North. ODS complements what their regular school provides the other four days of the week, using a holistic model developed by founder Rosemary Cathcart. They explore topics as diverse as black holes, understanding DNA, career opportunities in Ancient Egypt, making a bicycle with square wheels that works, etc.

ODS classes will be celebrating the ten year anniversary in the the week of 22 - 26 May. (Opportunities for photos, interviews etc. can be arranged.

BACKGROUND

One of the biggest hurdles faced by a gifted child is simply being recognised as one. The popular image of a gifted child is of a child who is far in advance of his or her years - doing university maths at primary school for example - and if a child does not fit this stereotype, then he or she is often not seen as being gifted. Many parents are apprehensive about having their child identified fearing the child will be set apart from others, labelled a 'nerd' and that they will be seen as 'pushy parents'.

Sometimes gifted children are over-looked at school because they also have learning problems, dyslexia, co-ordination problems, etc.

Often they become confused, lonely, frustrated and develop low self esteem because they are bored and feel they don't belong at school. Some will drop out, develop behavioural problems and under- achieve massively. Some are teased and bullied at school. Many, especially girls, find it easier to hide their gift. They will under-achieve in order to 'fit-in'.

The social, emotional side is also very important. All children need friends. Gifted kids often think of themselves as strange, or weird, because they haven't met other gifted children. Many do not get the same socialising practice that most children do, because they do not connect with their peers. At ODS they make friends, meet other children who are interested in the same things they are, talk the same language they do, and laugh at the same jokes.

For further information please contact

Sheryl Burns

Assistant Director

Gifted Education Centre

Ph 09-8454176

email: sheryl.burns@georgeparkyncentre.org