The Able, Gifted and Talented Programme

Mission Statement

The British School of Bucharest is committed to developing confident, motivated, self-disciplined learners, who can realise their full potential and make responsible contributions to the world. The school recognises that there are pupils who have a high academic ability whether it is in one field or multiple fields (able), pupils who have an exceptionally high academic ability whether it is in one field or multiple fields(gifted), or pupils who have an exceptional ability in an expressive or creative area (talented). These pupils must be identified, challenged and supported in order to ensure that their individual needs are met within, and outside, the curriculum. At the British School of Bucharest, we recongise that any special talents and abilities should be identified early, monitored, and developed throughout all Key Stages. We also recognise that many of our children speak English as an additional language and this should be taken into account during identification.

Aims

At the British School of Bucharest we aim to:

  • Encourage all students to engage in open inquiry, creativity, decision-making and independent thought.
  • Provide opportunities for pupils to work at higher cognitive levels.
  • Provide opportunities for pupils to develop specific skills and talents
  • Encourage pupils to reflect on the process of their own learning and to understand the factors that help make them progress.
  • Encourage pupils to take managed risks and to play an active role in their learning.
  • Foster the development of a well-rounded and balanced individual, both intellectually and socially.
  • Encourage pupils to be open to ideas and initiatives presented by others, thus promoting the importance of citizenship and collaboration.
  • Encourage all learners to develop to their full potential.

 

Identification

The school uses a range of agreed criteria and sources of evidence. These may include:

  • SATs / CATs tests
  • Half termly tests
  • Non-verbal reasoning tests
  • Attributes and subject specific checklists
  • Staff nomination
  • Information from parents, carers and outside agencies
  • Student interviews
  • Student products/ portfolios

 

The school keeps updated records of pupils who show particular or overall exceptional ability within the curriculum. The pupils are placed on a register. It is recognised that pupils develop at different rates, therefore the number and members of the identified group of pupils will change over time.

Provision

All students which are placed on the Able, Gifted and Talented whole school register will be provided with an individual education plan. This document will indicate any modifications (i.e. accelerated pace, extension work) that are required to meet the needs of the student both inside and outside of the classroom.

Able, Gifted and Talented Resources

The Standards Site - Gifted and Talented
"Department for Children, Schools and Families site devoted to gifted and talented. Use this site to find out the latest thinking on current gifted and talented initiatives, practical guidance and advice on developing the needs of gifted and talented children and for professional development for teaching staff. You will find this a great reference site for most things "gifted and talented", with sections listed alphabetically at the bottom of the home page."
www.standards.dfes.gov.uk/giftedandtalented

NACE: National Association for Able Children in Education

"We are a large network of educators passionate about enabling able pupils to fulfil their potential within inclusive school communities. Our members are teachers, leading teachers, head teachers, advisers, inspectors, psychologists, researchers, writers, independent consultants, student teachers and school governors. They include people who are new to teaching able pupils and the leading national and international practitioners in the field - a wealth of experience used to benefit teachers and their pupils."

http://www.nace.co.uk/index.htm

 

NAGC: National Association for Gifted Children

"Our immediate objectives are:

  • To provide help, support and encouragement to high ability children, their families (especially parents ) and all others involved in their education and welfare.
  • To increase national and international awareness of high ability and the understanding of the emotional, social and educational needs of gifted and talented young people.
  • To enable children from all backgrounds, including children with learning difficulties, to convert their potential into achievement."

http://www.nagcbritain.org.uk/

 

Please see the Able, Gifted & Talented Coordinator for a complete list of resources.

 

Visit us on the World Wide Web to see more of the Able, Gifted and Talented progamme at the British School of Bucharest: http://gandtatbsb.edublogs.org/