University on Wheels pilot programmes last year in Auckland (South, West & North Shore schools) were very successful and we are now ready to roll out this concept wherever there is a demand throughout New Zealand. Essentially Elaine & I have been working on taking the Achieving Potential Seminars (previously available only during school holiday periods) directly into the classroom during term time. The seminars are organised on a non profit basis and our charges represent cost recovery only.
The 3-Day workshops are often hosted by a particular school in an area, with students attending from a group of surrounding schools. Class sizes range between 12 and 18 students. If you would like to see this opportunity taking place this year at a school near you visit www.universityonwheels.org to see what's on offer and discuss the idea with the teacher most interested in the Bright Sparks, Creative Thinkers & Tall Poppies at your school.
Albany Junior High School, Puni in Pukekohe, Summerland in West Auckland (both Primary). Cost to parents differs from school to school as each develops their own policy regarding cost. JHH
Why is it aimed particularly at Bright Sparks, Creative Thinkers & Tall Poppies?
Does it represent all universities or just one?
What does the seminar cover? (courses, jobs attainable after course completion, graduates vs available jobs, criteria for getting in to each course, scholarships)
What age may a gifted child attend? (are they held back?)
Why not present the seminar to the whole senior school? Is it only for those who achieve certain grades or take an interest?
Are you independent or working alongside a particular uni?
When you say that schools charge differently, in your experience, what is the range. $10-30 per student? $100-150 per student?
It is non-profit so what is your personal motivation for promoting this?
The 'seminars' are based on the very successful school holiday programmes for gifted children which have been running here in Auckland for many years.
It's not an actual university - not sure why Jean and Elaine went for the 'University on Wheels' name. Have a look at their website for more detailed info:
Have a look at the website - www.universityonwheels.org - for full rundown/info. Re schools making differing charges, this is because some choose to fund the courses completely, whilst others make a part charge to the parents.
Hello Mary-anne
I think I have the answer to one of your queries about these course for bright sparks and creative thinkers and so on. Its the query about not for profit and personal motivation. I think you will find that some people are just like that. Odd isnt it?
I highly recommend that you encourage schools to get involved in these seminars. The people running them are amazing - they are gifted themselves and emphathise with gifted kids. They can provide challenge and extension that schools simply can't provide themselves.
