Gifted and Talented Pupils - Trinity School

TRINITYS C H O O LGifted & Talented PolicyA. RationaleTrinity School’s G&T policy is based upon the school’s mission statement: ‘The rigorous pursuit of excellencebalanced by compassionate concern for individuals’. It is therefore part of Trinity’s broader commitment to ensurethat all pupils reach their full potential.The policy recognises the fact that gifted pupils have particular educational needs which must be addressed ifthey are to reach their full potential.B. Definitions & InclusionTrinity School adopts the following definitions of gifted & talented: ‘Giftedness’ refers to high potential. That is those pupils having abilities or aptitudes beyond the largemajority of their peer group and who consequently need a level of challenge beyond that appropriate for thelarge majority. ‘Talent’ refers to high performance. That is those pupils whose abilities or aptitudes have been realised andare who currently performing at the highest level relative to their peers.These definitions privilege the role of the school in catalysing development from giftedness to talent.At Trinity, in accordance with current government guidelines, the percentage of pupils falling into the category of‘gifted’ is approximately 5‐10% ‐ although this figure will vary from subject to subject and year to year.’Since the potential for giftedness is irrespective of ethnicity, culture or other special educational needs thedefinitions adopted above are to be seen as inclusive rather than exclusive. Consequently at Trinity it is expectedthat the cohort of pupils defined as Gifted will be representative of the whole school population.C. Identification & ProvisionThe identification of & provision for gifted pupils at Trinity is subject‐specific.Identification is based upon clear evidence, and all teachers, under the direction of their Heads of Department,are involved in the process. Heads of Departments coordinate identification and regularly review those studentswho are considered gifted within their subject areas. The Gifted and Talented Coordinator collates and ensuresthat such information is shared between all relevant parties including Heads of Departments, Heads of Sectionsand Tutors.Provision for gifted pupils at Trinity comprises three strands: curriculum organisation; in‐class provision; and outof‐classprovision:1. The curriculum at Trinity aims to be broad & flexible enough as to allow all pupils including gifted pupils theopportunity to pursue their interests and develop their gifts.2. In‐class provision for gifted pupils is seen as central to Trinity’s G&T policy. Departments employ a range ofteaching and learning strategies to challenge and stretch gifted pupils, including where appropriate:Differentiation, flexible groupings, Peer teaching, withdrawal from the classroom.3. The out‐of‐class programme at Trinity is viewed as a vital element in the education of all pupils, includinggifted pupils. The full list of Trinity’s out‐of‐class provision is updated on an annual basis by the Gifted &Talented Coordinator and is made available to all staff

D. Monitoring & Supporting Gifted PupilsAll teachers are involved in monitoring, recording & supporting the performance of pupils – including gifted pupils‐ in their subject area.It is the tutor’s responsibility to regularly monitor the overall performance and extra‐curricula involvement ofgifted pupils within their tutor groups; to promote the best possible performance of gifted pupils by helping themto set targets; to celebrate the achievement of gifted pupils that do well.The Gifted and Talented Coordinator supports the work of tutors wherever possible.E. Staff DevelopmentThe Gifted and Talented Coordinator in consultation with the Director of Studies identifies and assists in arrangingsuitable training for all staff on matters relating to the education of gifted pupils.F. Monitoring and Evaluating the G&T policyThe Gifted and Talented policy at Trinity is monitored and evaluated on an annual basis by the Director of Studiesin consultation with the Gifted and Talented Coordinator to inform planning and action that will lead to evenmore effective provision.The Director of Studies in consultation with the Gifted and Talented Coordinator will include consideration ofissues concerning gifted and talented pupils at Heads of Department Meetings, Staff meetings and SMT meetings.Updated: June 2013