HOW WE IDENTIFY AND FOLLOW GIFTED STUDENTS’ PROGRESS

Students whose progress and attainment suggest that their ability is well above average for their age group are placed on the Register of Gifted Learners. At any one time roughly 10% of the students at the College will be on this register. Students qualify for the Register if their levels or grades either upon entry, at the end of Key Stage 3 or at the end of Key Stage 4 are exceptional. Currently the benchmarks are as follows:

KEY STAGE 3 REGISTER

On entry to Year Seven students eligible for the Register will normally have achieved Level 5 in the KS2 tests in English, Maths and Science. We also invite feeder Primary Schools to nominate students with exceptional abilities that these tests do not reveal, for example a musician who has already achieved Grade 5, or an athlete, artist or dancer already performing at a very high standard. Parents are also invited to bring such talents and abilities to the attention of the Gifted and Talented Co-ordinator.

KEY STAGE 4 REGISTER

Upon transfer to Year 10, students eligible for the Register will normally have achieved Level 7 in the KS3 tests in English, Maths and Science. Again, students with exceptional abilities that these tests do not reveal, for example a musician who has already achieved Grade 8, or an athlete, artist or dancer already performing at a very high standard. Parents are also invited to bring such talents and abilities to the attention of the Gifted and Talented Co-ordinator.

KEY STAGE 5 REGISTER

Upon transfer to the Sixth Form, students who have been on the Key Stage 4 register and who achieve at least ten GCSE passes or equivalent at grades A*-B including English and Maths will be entitled to remain on the Register.

Parents may find this link to the BBC's Gifted and Talented website of interest:

http://www.bbc.co.uk/schools/parents/life/sen/gifted_and_talented/