"Working with GEMs Aotearoa over the past year is making a significant difference to teaching and learning at Mayfield School. The training is equipping teachers with the skills to use the Depth and Complexity (D&C) icons, which is deepening children's understanding across various subjects. These icons are powerful tools that scaffold student inquiry, promote higher-order thinking, and encourage exploration of topics from multiple perspectives. What has been particularly beneficial is that we've been able to differentiate tasks for both high-level and low-level learners without an extra huge workload, thanks to simple tweaks in how we deliver lessons. This means all students are appropriately challenged and supported across all subjects."

Aroha Stewart , Mayfield School -Principal

"Our work with GEMS facilitators has had a significant impact on teachers’ understanding of giftedness and has led to more of our students being identified as gifted across the school. Teachers have also been upskilled on strategies to use in the classroom to meet the needs of gifted learners such as the use of the depth and complexity framework and talent development. We are appreciative of the way GEMS facilitators were able to design a professional development programme that was suited to the needs of the teachers at Maungawhau school. "

(Tania Plaisier, Maungawhau School -Associate Principal

"Since engaging with GEMS, we have observed a noticeable improvement in the way our teachers approach gifted education. They have become more adept at recognising the unique needs of gifted students and have implemented tailored teaching methods that foster an enriching learning environment. This shift has resulted in our gifted students feeling more understood, challenged, and supported, which has positively impacted their academic and personal growth. "

Amos Pilgrim, KingsView- Principal

"It is very clear that our kura has greatly benefited from the PLD provided by GEMS Aotearoa. We strongly believe it has made a difference to our school's journey of recognising, understanding and supporting gifted learners."

Elizabeth Crisp, Blockhouse Bay School- Acting Principal

GEMS Support in Action

Please email gemsaotearoa@gmail.com if you wish to learn more about our services and look at ways of increasing support for your gifted learners or delving into the excitement of the Depth and Complexity Framework.

GEMS mentoring support in Gifted Education 2025