What Does ‘Gifted and Talented’ mean?  

• GIFTED describes learners who have the ability to excel academically in one or more subjects such as English, Drama, or Technology

• TALENTED describes learners who have the ability to excel in practical skills such as sport, leadership, artistic performance, or in an applied skill.

 

Children and young people with one or more abilities developed to a level significantly ahead of their year group (or with the potential to develop those abilities).

(The Department for Children, Schools and Families)

 

The Harefield Academy Policy

At The Harefield Academy we are committed to challenging and assisting all students to achieve their full potential. Gifted and Talented students at The Harefield Academy get a variety of different opportunities within the classroom and through extracurricular activities to truly excel.

 

The school policy on identifying Gifted and Talented Students is based on prior learning data, CATS tests and subject teacher nominations. These take place in the Autumn term for Years 7 and 12 and the whole school identification is reviewed in May of each academic year. Students will be placed on one of three registers;

•   Group 1 (Core): These students are classed as Gifted and Talented across the curriculum, due to prior learning data and nominations.

•   Group 2 (Shadow): These students have been nominated in a few subjects and tend to excel at these.

•   Group 3 (Recognition): These students have been nominated in one subject and are classed as Gifted or Talented in this subject.

 

All teaching staff at The Academy are aware of the register and strive to ensure that every student is stretched within their lessons. Once a year parents of Gifted and Talented Students will receive a letter notifying them that their child is on the register and which subjects they excel in.

 

Extra-curricular opportunities for Gifted and Talented students

 

Extra-curricular opportunities for gifted and talented students in 2011-2012 included:

- A question and answer session with the school’s MP, Nick Hurd 

- A Year 11 and Year 12 trip to the University of Oxford

- Participation in the Citizenship Foundation’s ‘Mock Trial’ competition

- Participation in the annual ‘Math’s Challenge’

 

Gifted and Talented students at the University of Oxford, June 2012

 

 

Keep an eye on this page for more exciting news and information about this year’s events.

 

Micah Smith (Lead Teacher for Gifted and Talented)

msmith@theharefieldacademy.org

 

Events and ideas for your child to get involved with:

English and Humanities
Debating Club is offered for Years 8-10  every Thursday in room 106 after school. This will begin after the half-term (more information to follow!)

Maths
G & T Maths Club is offered every Thursday in room 204 after school
Students can participate in the UKMT Maths Challenges for KS3, KS4 and KS5

Science
Science Club is offered fortnightly on Wednesdays in room 118 after school. This club will includes robotics and programming

Visual and Performing Arts
‘Stomping’ Club is offered every Monday in room G23 after school
Drama Club is offered every Monday in The Theatre after school