The Curriculum

The Head Office's Curriculum

In 2020 we developed The Head Office Curriculum, in consultation with experts in the field, referencing international research, linking to the New Zealand Curriculum and alongside our cluster schools. Our Head Office curriculum integrates the principles, values and key competencies from The New Zealand Curriculum through the lens of effective practice in gifted education. There are four main areas where our programme differentiates itself from the conventional curriculum, they are: Density - faster pacing; Difficulty - complexity; Depth - in depth exploration and reflection; and Diversity - exploring associated possibilities.

There are 5 distinct parts to learning at the Head Office:

Orientation: getting to know the structure of the programme and exploring the traits and characteristics of a gifted learner. ‘What does it mean to be gifted? What does this mean for me?’
Individual Development: addressing the specific emotional and social development of our gifted students. It gives them the ability to tackle challenges and create personal and social change.
Explorations: Strength/Interest/Talent Development, the development of personal talent enables students to make progress through interest areas of their choice. This component of the programme involves self-understanding, decision making and self regulation.
In-Depth: Complex Thinking and Research, this differentiated curriculum will include:
- Higher order thinking.
- Being thought provoking.
- Activities which challenge ideas and concepts.
- Allowing for engagement in abstract, complex and creative thinking experiences.
- Creating opportunities to experience in-depth learning and topics/activities which involve students' own interests.
Seminars: Where the teacher moves into the role of facilitator and gives learners the chance to ‘teach’ other learners in areas of personal strength and advanced knowledge.

The Head Office curriculum is delivered by Taranaki educators for the Taranaki community, while also placing value on effective practice and international trends, nationally and internationally.