Policy

Aims

To continue the education mission of the De La Salle Brothers in South London, we provide a range of quality learning opportunities and use the wide variety of experiences students bring with them. To this end we work with the whole community of the College to enrich the education of our pupils.

As teachers, we aim to take the initiative and be creative in making opportunities for students to learn – both within lessons and outside them.

Definition

The school adopts the DCSF Policy statement:

“Gifted and talented children are those who have one or more abilities developed to a level significantly ahead of their year group (or with the potential to develop these abilities).”

(http://www.standards.dfes.gov.uk/giftedandtalented/govpolicy/aims/)

Identification

The departments in St. Joseph’s College identify their able, gifted and talented (AGT) cohort by using a wide range of information:

a) Objective and quantitative data: e.g. test data, transition records and results of teacher assessment;
b) Qualitative information: e.g. staff assessment and nomination, pupil, peer and parent/carer communication and scrutiny of pupils’ work;
c) Rate of progress: e.g. value-added data and reference to prior attainment/achievement.

Identification is a continuous process. The school reviews the AGT register bi-annually.

Underachievement of AGT pupils

We aim to be particularly vigilant for the 'hidden gifted' or under-represented groups, such as underachievers, those for whom English is not their first language, those with learning or physical disabilities or those from different cultural or socio-economic groups.

Exceptionally Able, Gifted and Talented Pupils

We also make special identification and support for the Exceptionally AGT pupils, defined as the top 2% within their subject.

Provision

Identification and Provision are now understood to be inseparable. A rich provision for all provides further opportunities for identification.

We aim to:

· provide support and learning opportunities that will benefit the pupil.

· stretch and challenge every pupil, maintaining their confidence and emotional assurance as they learn.

· Use a range of learning styles and personalised learning to ensure every pupil achieves the highest standards possible

· develop strategies and approaches to countering underachievement

· improve skills of all staff in the school to meet the needs of AGT pupils

AGT Department Representatives