More Able, Gifted and Talented
Wyvil was reaccredited the NACE Challenge award in December 2020. Click here to read the report.
At Wyvil our aim is to provide excellent teaching and an outstanding learning experience for all our pupils. We recognise that pupils with very high ability need access to excellent teaching at their level, challenge and an enriched experience which allows them to develop fully as well rounded individuals.
At Wyvil School our More Able, Gifted and Talented (MAGT), parents and carers are welcome to speak to MAGT Lead about how we identify and provide for pupils.
Parents are also of course very welcome to speak to their child’s class teacher and any senior members of staff about their child’s abilities and progress.
The following organisations can support parents of pupils who are More Able, Gifted and Talented:
http://www.potentialplusuk.org/
http://www.mensa.org.uk/gifted-talented
http://www.britishscienceassociation.org/
http://www.bbc.co.uk/schools/parents/gifted_and_talented/
http://www.talentedyoungpeople.com/
The following information summarises the approach in our policy which can be downloaded here and is detailed in our parent information leaflet which can be downloaded here.
Definition
Although there is no set definition of the terms ‘Gifted’ and ‘Talented’, these are terms used in schools to describe children who have developed one or more ability significantly beyond what is expected for their age ( or have the potential to do so).
'More Able / Gifted' refers to a child who has abilities in one or more academic subjects, such as English or maths. However, we recognise that some more able children can struggle in particular ways (for example learning to read).
‘Talented' refers to a child who has skills in a practical or creative area such as music, sport or art.
Identification
More Able, Gifted and Talented pupils can be identified at any age or stage of their time with us. Children often develop at different rates as they progress through school. Intelligence is not static and different factors can affect children’s development. It is expected that approximately 10% of pupils at our school will appear on our more able, gifted and talented register at any one time.
Class Teachers, Extra curricular teachers/ Specialist teachers / Club leaders (incl. outside school), parents and pupils themselves may identify areas of strength and refer individuals to our register of pupils identified as more able, gifted or talented.
Support
All pupils including More Able, Gifted and Talented pupils receive excellent teaching and a range of opportunities to extend and challenge them as part of the Wyvil experience. Planning a range of engaging learning opportunities that includes differentiated curriculum is an important way of ensuring that an appropriate pace and level. Challenge is an important feature of teaching and learning at Wyvil. The development of critical thinking skills and independent learning is enhanced through lesson design, an innovative cross curricular approach as well as Philosophy for Children sessions. Enrichment and extension are an important part of the Wyvil experience. We have over 50 clubs running each week to enable the development of a range of skills including sports, the Arts, practical and academic skills.
Extra support is sometimes necessary for any child. It is possible for More Able, Gifted or Talented pupils to be on our special educational needs register and receive support for specific learning difficulties or behavioural / emotional needs.
Parents can support in the following ways:
Notice changes in their development and discuss these with your child’s teacher.
Support children with their school work or extra curricular learning
Guide their learning - perhaps by ensuring they learn about a wide range of subjects and read a range of books
Feed their enthusiasm - arranging visits to places of interest to help them develop their love of a particular subject (art, music, animals , science)
Above all, encourage their love of learning as this is perhaps the most important lesson you can teach them.
More Able, Gifted and Talented pupils can often expect perfection of themselves and can find it difficult to cope when they get something wrong. Encourage your child to stay positive when they make a mistake and learn from it rather than see it as failure.