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Gifted and Talented

'Supporting the needs of the most able'

'Good teaching for the Gifted and Talented has the essential characteristics of good teaching for any pupil but it is particularly dependent on the teachers' own specialist expertise and scholarship. In the best lessons seen, teachers' knowledge of the subject was very secure. ' Providing for Gifted and Talented pupils (Ofsted)

What does Gifted and Talented mean?

'Gifted' learners are those who have abilities in one or more subjects in the statutory school curriculum other than art and design, music and PE; 'Talented' learners are those who have abilities in art and design, music, PE, or performing arts such as dance and drama.

Characteristics to look for:

These pupils are a diverse group and their range of attainment will be varied. Some do well in statutory national curriculum tests, world-class tests or national qualifications. However, being Gifted or Talented (G&T) covers much more than the ability to succeed in tests and examinations. For example, they may demonstrate leadership qualities, high-level practical skills or a capacity for creative thought.

“We must learn to measure what we value rather than valuing what we can easily measure.”

It is important to recognise that many G&T pupils actually underachieve - their potential is masked by factors such as frustration, low self-esteem, lack of challenge, or low teacher/parent expectations. Others underachieve because they have learning disabilities that obscure or eclipse their gifts or talents. To enable these children and young people to fulfill their potential, it is vital to give everyone the opportunity to excel.
G&T pupils are likely to exhibit the following characteristics, although the list can never be exhaustive or definitive:

  1. think quickly and accurately;

  2. work systematically;

  3. generate creative working solutions;

  4. work flexibly, processing unfamiliar information and applying knowledge, experience and insight to unfamiliar situations;

  5. communicate their thoughts and ideas well;

  6. be determined, diligent and interested in uncovering patterns;

  7. achieve, or show potential, in a wide range of contexts;

  8. be particularly creative;

  9. show great sensitivity or empathy;

  10. demonstrate particular physical dexterity or skill;

  11. make sound judgements;

  12. be outstanding leaders or team members;

  13. be fascinated by, or passionate about, a particular subject or aspect of the curriculum;

  14. demonstrate high levels of attainment across a range of subjects within a particular subject, or aspects of work.

Provision at St Alban’s is addressed through a number of approaches

Provision in lessons

Departments are developing:

  1. Extension materials with the expectation that certain pupils tackle these on a regular basis.

  2. An effective learning environment.

  3. Schemes of work which are explicit in their provision for G&T pupils as well as the less able.

  4. Schemes of work that ensure that they incorporate the range of learning styles – kinaesthetic, auditory or visual and that concepts and skills are introduced and reinforced in a variety of ways.

  5. The use of questioning as a skill to be used to extend and develop thinking.  For example in Geography: 

      • What is the climate like in India?

      • What is the impact of the climate on Indian life?

      • Would it be a good thing if India had a climate like England?

      • How could investment in India help them to overcome the difficulties of the weather?

      • Ways of Assessing Pupils Progress (APP) so that assessment is not being used purely as a summative tool but as a means to inform future planning and as a formative tool.

Out-of-class activities

  1. There are currently opportunities for students to make use of the ICT facilities until 5pm each evening.

  2. The Technology workshop is open regularly after school.

  3. Sports clubs and teams run after school.

  4. The Art rooms are open during lunchtimes for student use.

  5. Pupils are entered into a wide range of competitions across the curriculum

  6. Pupils attend a range of lectures and other organised school trips.

This provision is regularly monitored as part of the schools review process.