Gifted Education is the winner on the day
Primary and Intermediate school students flocked to Auckland’s Mt Smart Stadium this afternoon to witness New Zealand’s
largest game of Scrabble on a board over 16m squared.
Gifted Education Centre (GEC) Giant Scrabble was held to raise awareness for the special education needs of gifted
children and to help kids learn to celebrate their successes. Highlighting this were the ever-flowing spot prizes
courtesy of Scrabble-maker Mattel NZ Ltd, not only for contestants, but for all in attendance.
The ultimate prize, consisting of a generous selection of Mattel games, was taken out by the team lead by St Heliers
School student India Hepburn who entered the initial stages of the competition in September.
“It was so exciting to win first place and the prizes were amazing,” says India.
“We had so much fun playing in GEC Giant Scrabble. It was especially awesome using the Scrabble tiles we had made in the
giant game.”
The gusty weather did not stop the keen players and supporters from getting into the activities. At one point this even
included standing on the 1m x 1m plywood Scrabble letter tiles on the giant board to anchor them from being blown away
from the wind.
Sandi Purdie, head teacher of One Day School, also enjoyed the event.
“I think that everyone there had a wonderful time. They all got involved in the game and had lots of fun. It was a
spectacularly great event.”
Gifted Education Centre (GEC) organised the event in order to highlight the fact that the education needs of gifted
children are as real and valid as those with learning disabilities. Approximately five per cent of children are ‘gifted’
but unfortunately in New Zealand their needs are not always accepted or met.
GEC was established in 1995 to cater for the special education needs of the country’s gifted children.
GEC runs One Day School (ODS), a programme for gifted children who attend a weekly class at one of several locations
throughout New Zealand. The programme enables gifted children to explore subjects of interest.
ENDS