Gifted and Talented

The Dfes suggest that approximately 10% of a schools population will come into the category of Gifted and/or talented.
Gifted learners are those who have high ability or potential in one or more of the academic subjects.
Talented learners are those who have high ability or potential in the creative or expressive arts or in sport.
Our aim is to provide all students with a broad, balanced and relevant education that takes account of special abilities and talents and allows them to reach their full potential.
Gifted and Talented provision runs through all strands of school.

In the classroom we hope to provide:

• Differentiation and varied teaching strategies.

• An understanding of different ways in which students learn.

• Opportunities for investigation, problem solving and exploration.

• Opportunities for group work and leadership.

• Careful attention to the ways in which students are grouped.

• Adequate training and planning time for staff.

• A supportive learning environment.

• Flexible responses to the needs of Gifted and Talented students.

• Enrichment and extension activities.

Beyond the classroom we hope to provide:

• A library for personal study.

• Opportunities for after school study.

• After school clubs.

• Excellent I.C.T. facilities.

• The use of visiting specialists.

• Subject specific visits and workshops.

• Summer schools.

• Study skills session.

• Mentoring.

• Participation in cluster group enrichment activities.

Students are monitored in departments and through the G&T Coordinator, Mrs S Hosking.

Many have enjoyed participating in activities organised within the L.E.A; for example, Maths Master class, Chemistry Challenge, Jazz Workshops, Girls Physics Day. They have also benefited from mixing with Gifted and Talented students from other schools. At the moment we have a total of 30 students registered as members of NAGTY (The National Academy for Gifted and Talented Youth) Students from Our Lady & St Chad Catholic Sports College admitted to the NAGTY student academy have been identified as being in the top 5% nationally. This entitles them to participate in specially designed NAGTY activities. Gifted and Talented students are offered an appointment with Mrs Hosking at parents evening.