Gifted and Talented 2014/15

I The G&T register Each subject area is required to identify those students who are ‘gifted’ or ‘talented’. Teachers should nominate students to the cohort based on a range of both qualitative and quantitative methods, to include: Information from previous schools Internal assessment data (formative and summative) External assessment data (GCSEs, BTEC’s etc.) Performance data (for example Fischer Family Trust) Subject specific identification criteria (as appropriate) We are looking for the top 5 - 10% of each year group, per subject area. For an average year group, this would identify the top 10 students in languages, in maths, in ICT, in drama etc.

Gifted learners have abilities in one or more subject areas and the potential to attain distinctly above average for that cohort. The definition of a Gifted pupil at St Mary’s A pupil who shows an interest in a subject area beyond the constraints of the curriculum. They have the ability to learn quickly and a desire to acquire knowledge over a wide range of subjects. They show abilities to a level significantly higher than others in the same year group. They are nominated by subject staff and if they appear on the lists for two or more subject areas they will be defined as a gifted pupil.

Talented learners display practical skills and have the potential to be distinctly above average in one or more areas of human performance.’ The definition of a Talented pupil at St Mary’s A pupil who shows exceptional ability in Music, Physical Education and Art. They must produce work well above that of what is usually expected for pupils of their age.

Challenges accepted theories Asks searching questions A G&T student… Is an autonomous learner Asks searching questions Is a divergent (unusual) thinker Has a vivid imagination May have a keen sense of humour Learns quickly

At St Mary’s all staff strive to meet the needs of our students within the class room and ALL our students at St Mary’s are encouraged to participate in a wide range of extra curricular activities. The G&T program is an extension of this additional provision and support. Students are invited, and encouraged to participate with the additional activities, but as with any extra-curricular provision, attendance cannot be made compulsory. Each faculty in school, offer a wide range of enrichment opportunities and ways in which ALL students can further develop their knowledge, skills and interest within a subject area. We hope that students who are identified as being within the G&T cohort will access and contribute to this aspect of school life.

Enrichment Opportunities FACULTY Enrichment Opportunities Year Group Maths & ICT IT lunch clubs, Maths challenge Enterprise Day All welcome KS4 English and Media Poetry Live! events; theatre trips; entry into poetry and short story writing competitions and the Shakespeare Schools Festival, ‘Drop Everything and read’ initiative Sovereign Lecture at A Level; KS3 KS4 KS5 MFL languages clubs, Spelling Bee competition, reading challenge Exchange visits – France, Germany, KS3 Humanities Resources on the Learning Platform & class sites, Guest Speakers (inc Holocaust survivor), Field trips (inc Auschwitz) G&T visits. University visits, subject mentors in lower key stage lessons. Yr 11 & 12 G&T cohort RE Year 7 Day of Welcome and Mass of Welcome Fairtrade group, Ten Ten Theatre productions, Retreats. Ethics Matters conference, CRS days, Holy Island retreat Year 7 All Key Stages Science Nerd Soc (for all), I am a Scientist Science Live , ITriple Science Curriculum Provision – higher ability Bolton Lecture (physics), & Bonfire lecture (chem), Royal Society Summer Exhibition Biological Science Review: school liaison panel KS4/5 Open to all Creative Orchestra, choir, Bands, performance opportunities & concerts School productions, & showcases. Theatre Trips. London visit PE & Psychology Extra curricular PE program Leadership Academy & Level 1 Leadership Program KS4 & Core PE yr 10

The G&T Programme Phase 1. Phase 2. Phase 3. I Students who have been identified as Gifted or Talented will work on an enrichment project in VERTICAL groups (i.e. across the key stages) in a SUBJECT area. Each subject (or faculty if more appropriate) will need a member of staff to MENTOR the group through their project. Phase 2. The whole G&T cohort will focus on public speaking & presentation skills and deliver their groups findings/work at an evening CONFERENCE EVENT based in school in front of parents, peers and guests. Phase 3. All students will be invited to participate or attend in a cross-curricular activity focusing on ‘thinking skills’. For Key Stage 3 students, this will be run as a workshop within school. For Key Stages 4 & 5 we are hoping to attend a G&T focused conference, with the added benefit of enabling student to experience ‘university style’ lectures and environment.

Imagination is more important than knowledge. For while knowledge defines all we currently know and understand, imagination points to all we might yet discover and create. Albert Einstein

This years project is to research and learn about the biggest innovation within your ‘G&T’ subject area… OR Be innovative, and get inventive. What change/s do you want to see happen?

What does it involve? Phase 1: Phase 2: Each group will be allocated a subject coach and mentor to bounce ideas off and to guide you through… Phase 1: Be Inspired, be motivated, be a young leader. Develop your research skills and leave the curriculum behind… Phase 2: Be Inspiring, be motivational, be a team player. Develop your presentation skills and leave your comfort zone behind…

Innovation: the event Each group to have a max of 6 mins to present and argue the case for their ‘innovation’ to a panel of experts and the audience. The panel of experts will have the opportunity to ask questions and give immediate feedback on the presentations After all the presentations there will be a drinks/snacks breaks and the opportunity for all guests to vote for ‘the greatest life’. The results will be announced at the end of the evening and prizes given…

Creative Thinking Skills Key Stage 3 Creative Thinking Skills & Team Building workshop Key Stage 5 – there is also an opportunity here for you….

Key Stage 4 & 5. Hull – .

The benefits for the Students Development of Existing Study Skills Increased Motivation The benefits for the Students Increased Confidence Fun! New Skills Broaden Horizons New Experiences

How to assist your gifted or talented child   Below are a few websites which you may find useful: MENSA – The high IQ Society www.mensa.org.uk   Government information www.education.gov.uk National association for Gifted children. www.nace.co.uk Potential Plus uk. www.potentialplusuk.org Youth sports trust – Gifted and Talented in P.E. www.gifted.youthsporttrust.org/page/pe-sport/index.html

How to assist your gifted or talented child   Below are a few websites which you may find useful for specific subject areas: http://www.figurethis.org/index.html - Really useful for KS3 MATHS –contains problems, hints, tips and solutions.