Charlton Kings Infants School

Charlton Kings Infants’ School Policy for the Able, Gifted & Talented Written by J. E. Pandazis Date: November 2006 Last reviewed: July 2014 1 Co...
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Charlton Kings Infants’ School

Policy for the Able, Gifted & Talented Written by J. E. Pandazis Date: November 2006

Last reviewed: July 2014

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Contents Statement of philosophy Definition Identification The learning environment/curriculum Enrichment or extension Underachievement Management and organisation Dissemination Appendices

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Statement of philosophy We are committed to working for equality of opportunity and we endeavour:  to guide our pupils as they develop their personalities  to enable our pupils to realise their potential by helping them to develop their intellectual, physical, artistic and social skills and abilities  to provide teaching which makes learning challenging and enjoyable.

Definition In the past IQ was used as a measure of ability but it has proved to be unreliable as a sole indicator of adult achievement. Definitions that are more recent refer to a variety of domains in which a person may be outstanding, either generally or specifically. It is more likely that a person will be outstanding in one, or a combination of, domains than it is that they will be outstanding in everything. There are many definitions of an able child; here is one: ‘A gifted or talented child is considered as that one who shows consistent remarkable performance in any endeavour.’ (Newland 1976) The DCSF defined the gifted as: ‘…those who have the ability to excel academically in one or more subjects…’ The talented learner was defined as: ‘…those who have the ability to excel in practical skills such as sport, leadership and artistic performance.’

Identification Identifying ability (refer to the checklist in the appendix) is an imprecise science and is linked to context. At CKIS, we will define the most able within the context of our own school. We will use a variety of sources including: tests; opinion i.e. parental information; information from other professionals; pupil conferencing and teacher nomination; evidence from a pupil’s work or performance; and responses to higher-level tasks. The LA (local authority) summarise the gifted or talented learner in three words: ENTHUSIASM PERFECTION INNOVATION

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A NACE/DfEE Project (1993-6) suggested that schools should consider the top 20% as more able and a small subset (perhaps 2%) as exceptionally able. The DCFS guidance suggested that the G&T cohort should comprise roughly 10% in any year group. Schools are now charged with keeping a register of G&T pupils but it should be noted that registers of able children can be dangerous, if they are not referred to regularly, as young children, in particular, change as they mature and their talents emerge and as they move through school. At CKIS, we keep a school register of ABLE pupils (to include those identified as GIFTED or TALENTED). NB From 2007 primary schools were required to identify their gifted and talented pupils in the termly School Census return. It does seem, however, that in order for a learner to achieve highly they need not only ability but also appropriate opportunities, support, and motivation: Ability + Opportunities/Support + Motivation = Achievement (Eyre 1997) There is amongst children, that are more able, a range of outstanding abilities. Howard Gardner (1993) identified Multiple Intelligences: 

Linguistic (facility with language)



Mathematical/Logical (reasoning, organisation, calculation, abstract and structured thinking)



Visual/Spatial (ability to think in pictures/mental images, uses movement to assist learning)



Musical/Auditory (skill with rhythm, pitch and musical patterns)



Kinaesthetic (physical skills, hand-eye co-ordination)



Interpersonal (skill in communicating, leadership, sensitivity to others)



Intrapersonal (self-awareness, self-motivation, self-directing)



Natural (skill in the natural sciences).

Ogilvie (1973) identified: 

Physical talent



Visual and performing arts 4



Outstanding leadership or social awareness



Creativity



High intelligence

The learning environment/curriculum At the heart of good provision for the gifted and talented will be what happens in the classroom. These children may present challenging behaviour to teachers and TAs. The challenges may come in the form of asking difficult questions, refusal to complete a task, making smart remarks, etc. These children may require as much adult intervention and encouragement as do the least able children. They may lack confidence in their own ability, or judgement, in the same way as any other pupil. The effective classroom and curriculum should provide opportunities for:      

Self direction and using independent thought and action Group work – in order to give them a chance to work with similar children and also to give them the opportunity to lead Experiencing failure or difficulty in a nurturing environment Debate and discussion Imaginative/creative work Developing physical prowess

Enrichment or extension? Enrichment allows the child the opportunity to work at a deeper or more complex level. Challenging questions (see Bloom’s Taxonomy) might further stimulate the child and may lead to a deeper understanding of a subject/topic. For example: ‘What would happen if…’ ‘Why would you think that is the case?’ ‘Why do you think that the author chose to end the book in that way?’ Enrichment offers a horizontal flexibility to the curriculum within the child’s teaching group. These sorts of activities can also be undertaken at home or at out of school events. Extension enables the child to move through the curriculum at a faster rate than their peers. This may mean that a pupil can make rapid progress but may not be emotionally ready to cope. Extension tasks should encourage:  

Reflection Recognition that there may be a range of answers 5

  

Consideration of difficult or problematic questions Recognition of connections between past and present learning Formulation of individual opinions

We use the must/should/could approach initially when setting targets and planning work. We endeavour to involve the children in setting and getting their targets. At CKIS, we use this evidence as part of our Performance Management Cycle (for pupil progress) in our focus area: MUST

SHOULD

COULD

Working towards age-related targets

Age related – to be covered by most of the class

Extension - for those working above age related targets

These should be referred to in, at least, maths and English weekly plans. Later on we use more individualised targets which are kept in the English and maths books.

Underachievement The more able pupils may try to hide their potential e.g. a child who refuses to record; to present their findings neatly; to contribute to class discussions; the learner with SEN; or the disruptive child. Teachers must be aware of this as they assess the children. In addition, some able children may already have low self-esteem or may have developed poor study habits. Profile of an underachiever:                

Poor test performance Poor written work but orally knowledgeable Superior comprehension Apparently bored Achieving below expectations in basic subjects Inattentive Poorly done/incomplete daily work Absorbed in a private world Dislikes practice work Prefers the company of adults or older children Tactless Excessively self critical Unable to make good relationships Emotionally unstable Low self esteem Has a wide range of interests.

These things encourage underachievement:   

Inflexibility in the classroom A perceived lack of respect from teachers or parents A competitive social climate 6

   

Dominance of criticism from home/school An unrewarding curriculum Work too easy or tasks lacking in purpose A lack of opportunity to communicate what they have learned.

Equally, and especially in the area of Charlton Kings, we must all be aware of the child who comes to school with an extensive vocabulary, who may well be very bright, or who may just come from a home where talk is highly valued and therefore pre-school progress has been rapid. Rapid progress may, or may not, be continued throughout school.

Management and Organisation The class teachers are responsible for:            

Looking for chances to widen the learning activities through the opportunities they provide in their planning Providing an active curriculum Providing a creative curriculum Keeping a register of G&T pupils and updating it as necessary (in YR we will enter pupils on the register as ‘school aware’ Providing an exciting room where children want to be e.g. interesting writing areas/role play areas (remember that even Y2s need opportunities to dress up and play), interactive displays, etc. Encouraging pupils to take risks, to play with ideas, and to see failure as a learning experience Nurturing the able, as they would the least able, both academically and emotionally Helping pupils to set their own goals for improvement Monitoring the performance of the most able Providing rigorous and constructive feedback, as often as possible, on pupil’s work through evaluative marking Seeking help from colleagues who might be experienced in this area Liaising with parents

The head teacher/leading teacher is responsible for:        

Supporting the staff in their identification and monitoring of G/T pupils Acting as an advocate for the G & T pupils Keeping a School Register of G&T pupils Sharing information with staff and contributing to CPD (continuing professional development) Contributing to whole school policy making, self evaluation and resource allocation Liaising with the governors and members of the community Encouraging the development of suitable in-house extra-curricular activities for the children Making use of external support

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The SENDCo is responsible for:    

Providing support and advice for colleagues Monitoring the child if requested Purchasing appropriate resources Liaising with outside agencies

Dissemination A copy of the policy can found on the website and will be reviewed annually.

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Appendices 1. A checklist of characteristics 2. Useful publications

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A checklist of some of the characteristics of G&T learners                              

Possesses extensive general knowledge – often knows more than the teacher Has quick mastery and recall of information Has exceptional curiosity and asks ‘why’ all of the time Shows an insight into cause and effect Easily grasps underlying principles Quickly makes generalisations Listens to only part of an explanation and seems to lack concentration – but when questioned usually knows what is going on Jumps stages in learning Leaps from concrete examples to abstract rules and general principles Notes detail – is a keen observer Sees a greater significance in a story or film to the majority Often becomes interested for a long time in a particular topic/idea and may be impatient with interference Sets high personal standards Is interested in adult problems and current affairs, justice, politics, etc Imagines, is playful with ideas, is quick to see connections, manipulates ideas Can be particularly critical of, and keen to improve, institutions Has a keen sense of humour Appreciates verbal puns, cartoons, irony, satire, etc. Argues constructively Unwilling to accept authoritarian pronouncements without critical examination Mental speed faster than physical speed so often avoids writing at length Prefers to talk rather than to write Daydreams Reluctant to practise mastered skills Reads rapidly and retains detail Has advanced understanding and use of language Sensitive and reacts to injustice Empathizes and can be understanding and sympathetic Sees the problem quickly and takes initiative Etc.

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Useful publications: Bloom, B. (1976) Taxonomy of Education Objectives. London, Methuen DfES Circulars 4/93 and 5/93. HMSO DfES (1999) Excellence in Cities. London, HMSO DfES (2006) Effective provision for gifted and talented children in Primary Education. DfES (2006) Identifying gifted and talented pupils – getting started. Essex County Council (2001) Gifted and Talented. Chelmsford, Essex County Council Learning Services.. Eyre, D. (1999) Ten years of provision for the Gifted and Talented in Oxfordshire ordinary schools: insights into policy and practice. Gifted and Talented International,14, 12-20. Eyre, D. and McClure, L. (2001) Curriculum Provision for the Gifted and Talented in the Primary School. London, David Fulton. Eyre, D. and McClure, L. (2002) Curriculum Provision for the Gifted and Talented in the Secondary School. London, David Fulton. Freeman, J. (1998) Educating the Very Able: Current International Research. London, HMSO. Gardner, H. (1999) Intelligence Reframed: Multiple Intelligences for the 21st Century. New York, Basic Books. George, D. (1995) Gifted Children, Identification and Provision. London, David Fulton. George, D. (1992) The Challenge of the Able Child .London, David Fulton. HMI (1992) Education Observed: The Education of Very Able Children in Maintained Schools. London, HMSO. House of Commons (1999) Education and Employment Committee, Third Report, "Highly Able Children". London, HMSO. Montgomery, D. (2000) Inclusive Education for Able Underachievers: Changing teaching and learning, in Montgomery, D. (ed.) Able Underachievers. London, Whurr. Norfolk County Council (1996) Exceptionally Able Children and their learning, 5-16. Norwich, Norfolk Educational Press. Norfolk County Council (1998) Very Able Pupils, Information Paper 7 Special Education Services. Nottinghamshire County Council (2000) Able Pupils - Providing for Able Pupils and those with Exceptional Talent. Nottingham, Oxfordshire County Council (2001) More Able Pupils. Oxford, Oxfordshire Education Service. Smith, A. (1996) Accelerated Learning in the Classroom. Stafford, Network Educational Press. Sternberg, R.J. (1997) Thinking Styles. Cambridge, Cambridge University Press. Stopper, M.J, (2000) Meeting the Social and Emotional needs of Gifted and Talented Children. London, David Fulton. Teare, B. (1997) Effective provision for Able and Talented Pupils. Stafford, Network Educational Press. Wallace, B. (1981) Teaching The Very Able Child, Ward Lock Educational.

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