Gifted and Talented

As an Academy, our main aim is to ensure that all students are able to reach their potential under our motto of aspire, discover and achieve. The information provided below summarises the meaning and process of identification with a brief account of the support we will provide our students.
 
The documents available to download provide additional information. If you would like to discuss any issues or questions related to Gifted and Talented, please contact Ms E Bates, Innovation Leader for Personalised learning. If your issue is subject based then please contact the G&T link person teacher assigned within each department. Downloads G&T subject identification     G&T Parent Guide   G&T Information Evening
 
GIFTED AND TALENTED PROVISION
“Giving every single child the chance to be the best they can be, whatever their talent or background, is not the betrayal of excellence, it is the fulfillment of it.”
 
What do we mean by ‘gifted and talented’?
The DCSF defines gifted pupils as – “Children and young people with one or more abilities developed to a level significantly ahead of their year group (or with potential to develop those abilities).”
 
  • Gifted pupils are children who demonstrate a significantly higher level of ability than most children of the same age in one or more of the statutory curriculum areas, other than art, music and PE, i.e. very academically able children.
  • Talented pupils are children who display talent in one of more of the following areas – Art, Drama, Music, PE or Technology, i.e. very able children in practical/creative subjects.
How do we identify gifted and talented students?
From September 2011, the identification of students to be placed on the gifted and talented register will take place in the first instance with reference to data including:
The top academic students (approx. 5-10%) of each year group will be selected on the basis of a range of data and appear on the Gifted & Talented register.
Teachers will also nominate students who demonstrate strength in a particular subject, (in tests, classwork or homework) even if they fall outside the top academic 10% cohort. (Staff identification).
 
  • These children identified by means other than data are considered to be able pupils and can appear on the subject registers maintained by Departments/Faculties but kept on one central register. These students will be invited to be involved in G & T activities where appropriate.
How do we support Gifted and Talented learners?
Each student who is identified and included on the gifted and talented register will be informed and supported throughout their time at Harris Academy Beckenham.
 

In addition to the classroom support (differentiation, extension activities etc), a breadth of enrichment activities will be available throughout the school year with each subject providing at least one calendared event. Our G&T students will also have the opportunity to attend master classes that will not only develop their subject specialisms but also the skills required to help them develop them as learners. Parental engagement is a priority in supporting our gifted and talented learners; therefore, regular communication and parents evenings will be established to enable parents to work in partnership with the HABe