Gifted and Talented at BRJS

1. Gifted and Talented at BRJS

2. At Beeston Rylands we use several different methods to identify pupils for our Gifted and Talented Register • Assessment data – KS1 SATs information for new Year 3 children and assessment data from KS2 assessments • Class work – work produced in books, presentations etc. • Teacher observations – contributions in class, asking and answering questions, performances in PE, music, drama, art etc. • Parental information – knowledge that parents have about their children’s skills, activities at out of school clubs, particular interests etc. Identification

3. At BRJS we feel that celebration of success and achievement is of the utmost importance, at whatever that level that may be. Our G&T register helps us to quickly identify those children who excel in a particular area. We are then able to easily put forward groups of children for additional activities when they arise. It also enables us to easily monitor that expectations for these children are being met and provided for. Gifted is defined as those pupils who excel in academic areas, such as literacy, numeracy, science, humanities. Talented is defined as those pupils who excel at arts and physical based subjects, such as art, sport, dance drama, music etc. The range of gifts and talents enables us to recognise and celebrate achievements of pupils who may also struggle with some aspects of learning. Why and what does it all mean?

4. In order to put together our list of children for our register the following steps are taken • The most recent assessment data is analysed, including data from KS1 tests. This provides an initial list of Gifted children (this only informs us about performance in numeracy and literacy). • Staff meet together to discuss the previous register and make decisions about who needs to be added or other changes that need to be made • The talents and abilities of children are compared to help staff distinguish between ‘More Able’ and ‘Gifted/Talented’ • Rates of progress are also taken into account – just because a child is not on the register in Y3, they could move onto the list at another time throughout the Key Stage. • The register is drawn up and circulated. Parents and children are informed. The G&T Register

5. We recognise that we have a significant group of children who are very able in different curriculum areas and these children are known by their class teachers as being more able. Sometimes the distinction between G&T and More Able is a gut feeling – that child who you know ‘just gets it’, a child who can just see how something needs to be done. In our G&T children we are just looking for that little extra something. We do continue to stretch and challenge all groups of pupils. More Able Children

6. In the main, provision for all of our groups of children comes through class teaching, in the form of: • Differentiated work • Levels of questioning • Levels of challenge in certain activities • Expectations of work and other skills • Levels of independence • Differentiated homework Provision

7. In addition, we are always looking for opportunities to stretch, motivate, encourage and reward our pupils. Other recent activities include: • Gifted and Talented groups run by Mr Briffett and Mrs MacLean • Talents and Interests Assemblies held half termly • Read on and be inspired Literacy event held at Trent College • Maths activities at Trent College • Sports Activities at Chilwell School • Plays and productions giving children acting, singing, dancing opportunities • Level 6 maths training for all staff (adapted to stretch children in all year groups) • After school clubs: dance, sport, history, Latin… Provision

8. We will continue to monitor the progress of all our children and provide appropriate levels of challenge • We will continue to listen to parents about the skills that their children have to offer • We will continue to work in partnership with outside bodies to provide a range of opportunities • We are always open to suggestions and appreciate any information that parents and carers may have about activities that can add to the experiences we offer. Next steps

9. 2013 SATs Results How many of our pupils achieved level 5? The percentage of pupils achieving Level 5 or above in the 2013 Key Stage 2 tests at Rylands are as follows: ○ Reading 50% ○ GPS 40.6% ○ Maths 43.8% ○ Reading, Writing & Maths 25% Between 2013 and 2012 results show that there has been an increase of 26.3pp in Reading, an increase of 19.1pp in Writing, and an increase of 17.5pp in Maths. And level 6? In order to even be entered for level 6 pupils have to be working consistently at the highest levels. 1 pupil gained level 6 in reading and 4 in Maths. Current Year Groups As with all children, the progress of gifted & talented pupils is tracked individually. We assess the children every half term and check that the extra activities are helping to extend their learning. The HMI on 3/2/14 looked at progress in all year groups and agreed that progress was good. The school website contains lots of examples of gifted & talented work. Do have a look on www.beestonrylandsjunior.co.uk Is it working?