More Able

‘Gifted and Talented’ describes students with one or more abilities developed to a level significantly ahead of the year group.

GIFTED DEFINITION

‘Gifted’ refers to students who are particularly able or excel in one or more academic subject such as English, Mathematics, Science, History, Geography, RE and Languages. Key Stage 3 students will demonstrate excellence within their L4L studies.

‘Talented’ students are those who have a special ability or potential in Art, Music, Physical Education, Dance and Drama.

Students are identified as Gifted or Talented through reports by individual teaching staff, producing work of exceptional quality and excelling in end of year examinations. Parents can assist by informing the Academy if students are performing exceptionally in areas outside the Academy as members of external organisations such as sports clubs, community languages or in graded music examinations.

TALENTED DEFINITION

HOW WILL THE ACADEMY SUPPORT YOUR CHILD?

We have a responsibility to meet the educational needs of all students. With respect to our Gifted and Talented students, Shireland Collegiate Academy will do the following:

Have a Senior Leader with an overview of Gifted and Talented.
Identify Gifted and Talented students and ensure that all staff are aware of their specific learning needs.
Provide suitably challenging work/activities in lessons.
Support access to extra-curricular opportunities beyond the Academy day.
Ensure all subject areas have provision for Gifted and Talented students in all years and deliver activities which support this.
Provide all students with access to GCSEPod, Tute, Century and other software packages.
Provide a strong careers programme with opportunities and activities which will help students progress towards their targeted careers.
Where appropriate, bring in partners to work with exceptional students.
Provide opportunities for students to showcase their talents.

If at any point you feel that activities your child has been given are not challenging enough, please contact the relevant Head of Department or Head of Year and we will review this in conjunction with their performance.

HOW CAN YOU SUPPORT YOUR CHILD AT HOME?

Set time aside each day to talk with your child
Provide resources to support learning at home, for example access to books, internet and Academy programmes which aid learning (SAM Learning, GCSEPod, Tute, etc)
Take the time to develop positive relationships with your child’s teachers
Find out about support for gifted and talented students
Encourage your child to participate in extra-curricular activities at school and beyond, including study support and summer school