Mindplus Your School - Gifted and Talented Class
Would your child benefit from an opportunity to be extended and dive deeply into projects?
Is your child Academically Gifted?
Together, we can:
- offer a proven gifted education programme
- connect kids to others like them
- work alongside a specialist teacher of gifted students
Our programme is run in conjunction with the Neurodiversity in Education project and their ‘Mindplus’ programme.
MindPlus YourSchool is designed to support gifted learners in schools, working alongside NZCGE as a partner.
Check it out here: https://www.neurodiversity.org.nz/mindplus
What we offer:
- A small class of students (maximum class size of 16)
- Offer like minded peers between the ages of 7-13 (years 2-8)
- Interesting and challenging work
- A teacher who understands gifted neurodivergent students
- An opportunity to learn about neurodivergence and what it means for me
- A chance to learn about new things and have new experiences
- Time and support to develop talent
* Student and parent voice from an Independent impact evaluation by RAD Science 2021
When:
From Term 1 2025, students will come together for a half day each Thursday from 12pm – 2.30pm at Porirua Montessori Primary School, with Leo Smith (qualified teacher), and a specialist MindPlus teacher. Together, they will work both face to face and online.
Cost:
$420 per child per term
- a $100 deposit is required within 3 days of enrolment to guarantee your place
- Weekly payment plans avaliable
Want to find out more?
Contact: Madelaine Armstrong Willcocks, Head of Programmes, Neurodiversity in Education Project
madelaine.willcocks(@)neurodiversity.org.nz
FAQs
Can Homeschoolers attend?
Yes, homeschoolers are very welcome
What is the class size?
We have a maximum of 16 children in the class, children work in their own classroom with a teacher away from the Montessori class.
Does my child have to be a student of Porirua Montessori School to enrol?
No! All students are welcome
How can my child attend if they are at another school?
To attend MindPlus YourSchool and therefore be absent from mainstream school one day a week, whānau will need to seek permission from their child’s school.
If they are home schooled they are welcome to attend.
Section 52 of the Education and Training Act 2020 allows New Zealand school students to have time away from school to attend alternative education with the permission from their school. Parents must seek the approval of their school. The principal will choose how to mark the child’s absence.
Can my child attend casually?
No, this is a full term commitment
Do you offer refunds if my child is sick or away?
No
Do you offer other one day options?
Yes, we also offer a one day school option on Mondays. This is a ‘one-day school’ option for children to join in with the Montessori class. This is open to tamariki aged 5-12. You can find out more here
Our Teacher
Tēnā koe, I’m Leo. I’m a mum, a dog lover, a firefighter and a nature lover.
I’ve been working with tamariki & rangatahi learners for the last 25+ years in a number of different ways. I’ve worked in Kindergartens, schools, college, live-in outdoor education schools and have been running Bush Sprouts Nature School for the last 6+ years here in Porirua. As a registered teacher I understand how learning happens in the School system and as a mother of a neurodiverse child and a Nature School Kaiako I have learnt that learning happens differently for everyone. I view Whakawhanaungatanga/
relationships as vital to creating an environment where ākonga can learn and thrive in the way that is best for them.
