Welcome to Curious Minds Circles

Where Big Questions Begin

Designed for New Zealand learners who love to ask 'why' and 'what if'.

What Are Curious Minds Circles?

Curious Minds Circles are small online groups of 6–8 learners, meeting once a week to dive into creative, real-world challenges.
Each month, children tackle a new curiosity question — like:

  • What if an alien ship landed in your backyard?

  • How could you start a business while still at school?

  • What would your school of the future look like?

They question, design, and create — turning imagination into critical thinking and confidence.

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What are

Imagine a space where curiosity leads the learning.
Where children can explore wild ideas, build critical thinking skills, and connect with other bright young minds — all from the comfort of home.

Welcome to Curious Minds Circles, a small-group online experience created by Tala Vos, founder of Curious Minds and YouPlanIt.

I was lucky enough to be offered the use of YouPlanIt (YPI) for the last term of 2017. It has so many benefits for me as the teacher, particularly in engaging my brightest students (who were very ready to move up the school). The biggest “wow” moment for me was when the students shared their presentations with the class. We were enthralled! Having the freedom to follow their passions, the students were confident and totally engaged the audience. We just didn’t know what might come next.

The students are very keen to ‘go again’, now they understand more about how the YPI program helps and guides them to achieve more exciting learning outcomes. This is Personalised Learning at it’s very best.

Tracey Cringle, Years 7 & 8 Teacher, Villa Maria

As a beginning teacher, YouPlanIt (YPI) has been so helpful with time and resource management. Everything is so efficient and easy to use, from the lesson plans to the resources, to the self-assessment rubrics. I love how it puts the children back at the centre and involves them along every step of the way. YPI is incredibly versatile and helpful if you’re starting an inquiry - everything is there, aligned with the curriculum and ready to go!!

Sarah Carruthers-Hyde, Years 5 & 6 Teacher

I struggle with time management which causes me a lot of stress, especially when it comes to handing things in on time. YouPlanIt helped me organise my time and gave everything I needed in one place. It was really easy to use and gave me a lot of confidence in my learning.

Year 7 Student

I felt challenged by the idea that I was responsible for my own learning and worried I might fail because I had to rely on myself a lot more. My teacher gave me basic criteria but I had to create the lessons and organise and manage my own learning. I feel proud and relieved because I worked hard and the presentation felt great!

Year 7 Student

I set high standards for myself and having this chance to focus on something I was personally interested in made me feel a bit scared but I am proud of my work. I worked hard and my expectations were met!! I would like to send the PowerPoint presentation to many others so that they can be inspired by the work I completed.

Year 8 Student

Taking on more responsibility for my own learning is exciting and worrying at the same time. But mostly I feel happy, inspired, pleased, and proud of the work I do. I really like being able to choose my own topics and have more say in how I want to work through this.

Year 8 Student