Gifted and Talented
Why the school has a policy for gifted and talented pupils:
The school is committed to helping all pupils achieve their full potential in all aspects of their school life. Potential can be achieved in either the class room, on the sports’ field, on the stage, or in all of these areas. Where any of our pupils shows a marked aptitude in any of our activities, the school wants to recognise these talents and to develop them as far as possible.
How is the commitment to gifted and talented pupils fulfilled?
Pupils are identified as soon as they start in the school. There is a coordinator who is both a teacher and responsible for identifying the gifted and talented pupils in school. They are identified by means of test results and information collated from their specific junior schools. The coordinator is responsible for the mentoring and monitoring of the pupils’ progress throughout their school career.
What provisions are in place for gifted and talented pupils?
The school provides activities and experiences to extend its gifted and talented pupils. Provisions include those exemplified in the PE Department through an extensive programme, which ensures that the pupils are able to develop their talents in their chosen sport(s). The Music Department also has activities to extend the skills of the most able musicians. Similarly, the Drama and the Art Departments have their own appropriate activities and workshops to stimulate gifted and talented pupils.
What happens in the classroom?
Every department has a teacher who is responsible for the provision of extension activities for the most able pupils. To meet the needs of individual pupils, a differentiated curriculum is provided; for example, pupils may be taught in banded, or streamed, classes depending on the subject. Where extension material is provided, it is designed to provoke and stimulate thought. The aim of such activities is to encourage gifted and talented pupils to be in control of their learning and to allow them to experience additional techniques and skills. Teachers consistently challenge and inspire gifted and talented pupils in order to develop their thinking, to explore new ideas of learning and to broaden their interests.
What happens out of the classroom?
Opportunities are made available for pupils to meet regularly on an informal basis in order to develop their communication and discussion skills and to take part in challenging events that take place throughout the year. The Environment Centre is an important meeting place for pupils where considerable effort is made to involve them in conservation and environmental issues. The group of gifted and talented pupils is comprised of mixed age, therefore providing opportunities to develop both communication and leadership skills.
How is progress encouraged and monitored?
The role of the gifted and talented coordinator is responsibility for the identification of pupils in all subject areas and the school’s provision thereof, including membership of the “National College for ‘Gifted and Talented”.. The coordinator monitors and evaluates the progress of all the pupils each time an assessment card is issued and also meets annually with all the pupils individually to discuss and to set targets. Also, the coordinator ensures that all departments have up-to-date resources to provide study support and enrichment activities. The coordinator liaises with and informs each pupil’s parents/guardians about their activities.
How parents/guardians can help:
Parents/guardians are asked to inform the school about talents or aptitudes of their children and to encourage them to participate in extra-curricular activities both in and out of school and to help to maintain a balance between work and leisure activities. Also, parents/guardians are encouraged to contact the school if there are any concerns or queries about their child’s progress as soon as possible.
Mrs T. Gray, Gifted and Talented Coordinator - Tel: 852222 Ext. 265
