At Arahoe Primary School the definition of “Giftedness” is based on Runzulli’s (as cited by the Ministry of Education: 2000:14[1]) 1978 definition:

“Giftedness is based on the interaction between three basic clusters of human traits:

• Above average ability
• A high level of task commitment
• A high level of creativity

Arahoe Primary School agrees that the "purpose of defining and identifying giftedness is to uncover individual abilities, qualities and interests, and the objective of differentiation is to further develop them.  Gifted education, in its simplest terms, is about enabling gifted and talented students to discover and follow their passions.  It's about opening doors, removing ceilings, and raising expectations by providing an educational experience that strives towards excellence.”

The Ministry of Education document, Gifted and Talented Students: Meeting their Needs in New Zealand Schools (2000)[2], forms the basis of our school's policy to ensure our gifted students are identified and receive specific educational attention. This attention comes in the form of the “Stepping Up” program, where children are further differentiated so that “giftedness” refers to high intelligence or aptitude, while “talented” refers to high levels of performance in areas such as music, visual arts, dance, drama and sports.

In the Arahoe Stepping Up Program, children are nominated and selected, to take part in a variety of enrichment programmes run by passionate and talented teachers within the school.  These programmes are designed to extend the children’s existing abilities and enable them to reach their potential.   Children are involved in groups covering a wide range of subject areas; Sport, Singing, Dance, Spanish, Te Reo, Instrumental (our school band), Science and Art.   At the end of the year we hold a ‘Showcase’ evening where the students share what they have learnt with the school community.