Gifted

 

What does 'gifted' and 'talented' mean?

 

'Gifted' pupils are those learners who display high ability or potential in academic subjects such as mathematics or literacy.

 

'Talented' pupils are those learners who display high ability or potential in areas such as sport, music, art

 

What characteristics do gifted and talented learners tend to display?

 

He or she may:

 

be a good reader;

be very articulate or verbally fluent for their age;

have a wide general knowledge;

learn quickly;

be interested in topics which one might associate with an older child

communicate well with adults - often better than with their peer group;

have a range of interests, some of which are almost obsessions

show unusual and original responses to problem-solving activities;

prefer verbal to written activities

be logical

be self-taught in his/her own interest areas

have an ability to work things out in his/her head very quickly

have a good memory that s/he can access easily

be artistic

be musical

excel at sport

have strong views and opinions

have a lively and original imagination/sense of humour

 

This information is taken from the 1998 Ofsted review of research by Joan Freeman quoted in the DCSF document 'Identifying Gifted and Talented learners - getting started.

 

How many pupils are gifted and talented?

 

There are gifted and talented learners in every year group and in every school.  Gifted and talented learners can be considered to be 5 - 10% of each year group.   They are the pupils who achieve, or have the potential to achieve significantly above the average for their year group in the school.

 

How does King's Park provide for gifted and talented learners?

 

Our curriculum uses engaging contexts that enable all children to develop their skills in the areas of creative learning, independent learning and teamwork.  The projects regularly give children opportunities to participate in the life of the local community.   Using original starting points children are challenged to achieve high outcomes and to be the best that they can be.

 

Each half term progress in reading, writing and mathematics is reviewed and individual targets are set with children, ensuring that each learner has their own goals to aim for during the next school term.

 

Room 13 extreme gives our talented artists the opportunity to develop their skills and ideas in a free environment, guided by adult practitioners.

 

Our participation in Bournemouth sporting events and our links with Portchester School, a specialist sports college, gives opportunities for our talented athletes to develop their skills.

 

 

How can I find out more information about supporting gifted and talented learners?

 

As with all learners, talking with your child's class teacher or a member of the leadership team will provide information about your child's current strengths and weaknesses and how the school is meeting these.

 

Additionally, the following websites provide information:

 

NAGC (National Association for Gifted Children):  www.nagcbritain.org.uk/

 

Youth Sport Trust: www.youthsporttrust.org/

 

Brightonline - a website with ideas of books, games and activities www.brightonline.org.uk/

 

National Strategies website - a source of support for parents and learners: nationalstrategies.standards.dcsf.gov.uk/