Gifted & Talented
What is it?
Gifted students:
Gifted students are students who have an exceptional ability in a range of academic subjects. Students are identified in using a range of data including MidYis testing and external examination results and normally includes the top 10% of students in each year group. Generally speaking, however, these students have a cognitive ability to learn and to think. Their ability may be displayed in a range of ways, but some general indicators of a gifted student are:
- Superior powers of reasoning and able to deal effectively with abstractions and generalizations. (Laycock)
- Originality and initiative in intellectual and practical work. (Montgomery)
- Ability to process information quickly to develop coherent and complex arguments. (NAGC)
- Keen powers of observation, allowing them to identify analogies and mismatches. (Montgomery)
- Exceptional curiosity and desire to know why things happen. (Wallace)
Talented students:
Talented students have exceptional skill in one area, usually the arts or sport. Many of these students take part in extra-curricular activities to develop their skill and may require additional support in order to balance the requirements of both their academic work and the development of their particular talent.
It is, however, acknowledged that the gifted and talented cohort is a not an exclusive or fixed group and that other students, not included in the cohort itself, will require additional provision in the classroom to ensure that, as an able student, they require the necessary challenge to enable them to fulfil their potential. The purpose of the strategies listed in the provision section is to provide cognitive challenge for all able students not just those identified as gifted or talented.
Rationale:
Genius without education is like silver in the mine.
Benjamin Franklin
Setting and realising the highest aspirations for those with the greatest talent is the opposite of “dumbing down”. It is the ultimate test of a genuinely comprehensive education system. We want the top achievers in every school to inspire their peers to consider what’s possible in their own lives.
Lord Adonis
Challenging students:
Challenge can be provided for gifted and talented and able students through the following:
- Provision in lessons
- Enrichment activities
- Enhancement of the curriculum
- Reflection and support.
Research and useful resources:
NAGTY website:
Very helpful resource for students and teachers. There are useful resources for teachers as well as professional development opportunities. Many of our students are members of NAGTY and have the opportunity to access subject specific online resources. NAGTY also offer a range of Summer Schools for students who are interested in specific areas – a full list is available on the website for you to view.