Gifted and Talented
 At Barnard Castle School we aim to “promote achievement within a caring community”. Every pupil is supported and encouraged to aim for their own targets, both academic and non-academic, and to strive to reach their individual potential.
At any one time, Barnard Castle School will have a number of extremely able, gifted or talented pupils. We recognise that these pupils have specific learning needs that must be addressed. Following identification, opportunities for extension, enhancement and enrichment are provided to allow our gifted and talented pupils to flourish and achieve their potential. We believe that by addressing the learning needs of the gifted and talented cohort, teaching and learning throughout the School will be enhanced.
Definitions
At Barnard Castle School, the terms gifted and talented (G&T) are commonly used:
• a “gifted” pupil is defined as one who achieves, or has the ability to achieve, at a level significantly in advance of the peer group in one or more subjects in the school curriculum, other than art & design, music, sport and the performing arts.
• a “talented” pupil is defined as one who achieves, or has the ability to achieve, at a level significantly in advance of the peer group in one or more of the following subjects: art & design, music, sport and the performing arts.
Aims
At Barnard Castle School, we aim to achieve the following:
• identify G&T pupils as early as possible
• meet G&T pupils needs by providing an appropriate education
• provide opportunities for G&T pupils to develop specific skills and talents
• provide opportunities for G&T pupils to work at higher cognitive levels
• address the social, physical and intellectual needs of G&T pupils
• improve motivation and enhance the performance of able underachievers
Identification
A pupil who is identified as being gifted, talented or both is placed on the Barnard Castle School G&T register. This register is regularly reviewed and updated. Eligible pupils are then also enrolled in the National Academy of Gifted and Talented Youth.
Provision
We believe that provision for G&T pupils is generally most effective when it is made within lessons, through a stimulating and differentiated curriculum. Additional provision comes in three forms:
• Subject-specific opportunities organised by the school. Departments organise and provide opportunities designed to motivate and support gifted and talented pupils. These include participation in national competitions, trips to places of importance, after-school tutorials and advanced subject-specific libraries. In some subjects, the opportunity of accelerated learning is offered to more able pupils.
• Extra provision run by external agencies. Gifted and talented pupils are encouraged to engage in activities organised by external bodies. In the past, these have included outreach events (between a day and a week long), summer schools, master classes and high-level subject-specific competitions.
• Extra-curricular activities organised by the school. Barnard Castle School provides a wide variety of after-school activities to inspire, encourage and support extra-curricular interests in all pupils. In particular, the “Challenge” activity is available for those pupils enrolled on the School’s G&T register. |