Gifted children

GATE

Gifted pupils can take part in GATE (Gifted and Talented Education) enrichment lessons. These are two-hour lessons in which the children explore various topics, thereby broadening their horizons. The lessons include research (using computers to explore a given topic), experiments, the development of critical thinking, applied mathematics and logic, the expansion of specialist vocabulary, programming, as well as emotional awareness and the development of social skills.

The GATE modules also include work on STEM tasks (Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics), during which children put their hypotheses to the test in a practical way within the field of polytechnic education. The lessons are free of charge and form part of our school’s plan for pupils’ intellectual development. A pupil’s final inclusion in GATE activities is decided by mutual agreement between the parent, the teacher/tutor and the pupil themselves. Inclusion in the group is not an entitlement, and a child may leave the group at any time.

Mensa NTC Learning

Easy Start Primary School and, in particular, Drobeček Nursery School have partnered with Mensa Czech Republic, Children’s Mensa Czech Republic and the Centre for Giftedness to support a project aimed at fostering the cognitive abilities of children aged between 2 and 7. The aim of the project is, through trained staff, to incorporate specific activities into the children’s daily routine that help develop their cognitive abilities, aid in the prevention of dyslexia and learning difficulties, and assist in identifying gifted children.

We have been using the NTC method since 2012. Most of the primary school pupils have already undergone initial training in the pre-school class, so they generally work at Level 2 (flags, countries, maps) as part of after-school care or GATE activities.

Figurková školička — we teach children to think

The Figurková Školička is an original teaching method focused on developing children’s intellect and intellectual abilities and skills. It is designed for children aged 3 to 8, regardless of their intellectual aptitude. It is ‘learning through play’ in the truest sense of the word, so it appeals to everyone, including children with learning difficulties or concentration problems. The method is based on a chessboard and chess pieces, but the children do not learn to play chess. Every lesson, the children are treated to a new story set in the chess kingdom, within which logical tasks and puzzles are hidden.

Children’s University, excursions and lectures

We actively take part in lectures and seminars at the Children’s University. The tutor selects seminars and activities for the pupils, which are then attended by a smaller group of children; the journey to the university is made directly from school under the supervision of a teacher. Since the university began operating, we have attended lectures and workshops on topics such as:

• Liquid nitrogen
• 3D modelling and printing
• Energy
• Basics of the German Language
• Traces in Nature
• Working with a microscope
• A trip to the zoo — on the trail of wild animals
• Scientific experiments with vinegar and bicarbonate of soda
• Financial literacy
• Physical activity for people with disabilities
• Woodworking

We also went to Techmania, the Planetarium and IQ Landia (Liberec), and visited the Faculty of Applied Sciences several times to work in a virtual reality environment. As part of our stay abroad, we also managed to visit IQ Park W5 in Belfast.

• Talent Development PlanPDF