Rotorua -
Sunset Primary School Unit
 Sunset Prumary School
Sunset Rd
ROTORUA

Telephone: Head Office on
09-309 1045 or
0800 GKP KID
Unit Direct Line:
07-3436203
E-mail Address: rotorua@giftedkids.co.nz

 Teachers
 Sue Bufton
(Lead Teacher)

 Helen Ramsdale
(GKP teacher)
History
The Rotorua Gifted Kids Programme was opened in Term1, 2003 at Malfroy Primary School then moved to Sunset Junior High School. In February 2007, the unit was relocated to St Michael’s School.



Contributing Schools

Glenholme Primary School
Kaharoa Primary School
Malfroy Primary School
Ngakuru Primary School
Ngongotaha Primary School
Otonga Primary School
Reporoa College
Rotorua School
St Michael's Primary School
Upper Atiamuri Primary School
Waikite Valley School
Westbrook School
Habits of Mind in Action  
Team Building  
Team building activities required lots of clear communication, interdependent thinking and flexibility of thinking too. In the activity pictured students had to get the whole team across the “water” by stepping on the “ice-bergs.” Someone had to be in contact with the ice-bergs at all times or they would “sink.” Managing impulsivity was key in this one as it was very easy to step off before a team mate had stepped on!
   
  At our Tui Ridge unit trip we focussed on the “Habits of Mind” needed for all the challenges we faced.  

Abseiling

  

The Habit of Mind most needed for this activity was taking a responsible risk! Students reported that they needed to trust the safety equipment and the instructor to conquer their fear of going over the edge. It pushed some students out of their comfort zones. Other students were able to apply past knowledge if they had been involved in abseiling before.

 
Rock Climbing  
The students were harnessed and attempted a climb up to the top of a 10m high rock face. Some of the hand and foot holds were quite tricky! Lots of persistence was needed and clear communication from the supporters down on the ground. Several students made it all the way to the top during the day which was quite an accomplishment!  
High Ropes  

Our first reaction was to respond with wonderment and awe when we saw how high this activity was! We needed lots of clear communication, risk taking, and persistence to complete this challenge. When reflecting on the activities, students said they remained open to learning new things by not backing away from those challenges. We think so too.

 

 
Patterns  

While working with our art tutor the students designed personal motifs and then used a variety of transformations to create a pattern. Later in the term these patterns will be carved onto our beautiful clay eggs. The children learned about symbolism and that the patterns seen in artwork from different cultures all have meaning and significance for the people involved.

 
Clay    

Making a clay egg involves first creating two round bowls and then joining them together. Here Wesley
is filling one of his bowls with newspaper to preserve the shape of his egg as it hardens. Later he will carve his personal motif pattern in a band around his egg and then polish the clay to give it lustre. We all had heaps of fun with the clay. Thanks Mrs Brell for working with us!