Gifted and Talented

We aim to stretch and challenge our most able pupils on a daily basis through stimulating teaching and interesting extension work.  There are also many opportunities outside the curriculum for the brightest students to excel, and we hold membership with the National Association for Able Children in Education and at the Senior School we comply with the requirements of The Young, Gifted and Talented register; approximately one third of our current pupils are now  on our YGT register. We have a specific member of staff who is responsible for this register, which is freely available for all staff to consult. Further information on the YGT process can be found at www.ygt.dcsf.gov.uk

Joining societies, such as our Scholarship Forum and the History Society at the Prep School, or the Junior and Senior Colloquium at the Senior School, allow children to extend their interests in particular areas. Academic societies flourish in a range of subjects . Equally important is our broad curriculum, including challenging and unusual subjects such as Ancient Greek  which is taught at the Prep School at lunch times for those who wish to extend their knowledge of classical languages. 

Through the Colloquium, a discussion forum that promotes critical thinking and encourages pupils to debate, question and justify their opinions, members receive valuable insight into university-level research, writing and presentation, in addition to receiving support in their applications to Oxbridge and other competitive university courses.

Our ‘gifted and talented’ students may be able to explore advanced work at an earlier stage or work with the curriculum at a more sophisticated level.  We aim to challenge gifted pupils, cultivating independent and enquiring thinkers through a programme of academic stimulation and enrichment activities.  We encourage our gifted and talented students to build upon their strengths, making the most of their education and the opportunities available to them.