The Welsh Assembly Government has adopted the phrase ‘More Able and Talented’ to describe pupils who “require opportunities for enrichment and extension that go beyond those provided for the general cohort of pupils…the term ‘more able and talented’ encompasses pupils who are more able across the curriculum as well as those who show talent in one or more specific areas and strengths in leadership, team working and entrepreneurial skills.” (WAG, Meeting the Challenge, 2007)
At St Cenydd Community school we aim to ensure that all our more able, gifted & talented pupils are extended and stretched to reach their full potential. In lessons, teachers will ensure that your child is sufficiently challenged by providing extra learning activities which enable your child to utilise, practise and extend his/her talents. These activities will be more challenging than other activities and will be distinctive in nature. For example, a research project might be set on a particular topic, or a high level problem will be set for pupils to solve. Teachers will also ensure that they ask more searching and challenging questions in class in order to test and extend your child’s understanding of what is being studied. At times, your child may be grouped together with other More Able and Talented learners and given different or more challenging work. Our curriculum structures allow pupils to work in appropriate ability groups where they can be provided with stimulating and challenging learning experiences.
Outside normal lessons, several Curriculum Areas organise or facilitate extra-curricular activities which More Able and Talented pupils can access, for example trips to the theatre, the Senydd or the Houses of Parliament, the opportunity to take part in sporting competitions or to take part in inter-school maths quizzes or debating competitions.
How can parents support their more able and talented children
There are many things parents can do to support and nurture their children, for example by encouraging them to:
- Use the local library and the internet as learning and research resources
- Visit museums, science centres, nature reserves and art galleries
- Watch educational and current affairs programmes such as the news, wildlife/nature programmes and documentaries, and discuss them
- Read a quality national newspaper
- Discuss and debate topics, such as politics, the environment and the media
- Discuss homework and schoolwork
- Take part in extra-curricular activities
- Take an active part in family decision-making
- Listen to different types of music
- Read for pleasure, including demanding/challenging books
- Take regular physical exercise
- Socialise and relax in between work and learn to ‘switch off’
You can also support your child by:
Providing suitable learning resources such as books, encyclopaedias, magazines, computer software etc.
Organising day trips and visits to places of cultural, historical and educational interest
Building cultural experiences, trips and excursions into family holidays
What can I do to help the school support my child?
As a parent, you are the most constant and important factor in your child’s development. You know your child best.. If there is anything that you feel we need to know about your child and his / her abilities please inform us. Parents, teachers – and, most importantly, children – all benefit from close school-parent liaison.
Where can I find further support, information and advice?
Click here for useful information and advice on how you, as a parent, can support your child.