At Golborne High School we acknowledge that all able children and young people, regardless of background, should be recognised and have opportunities to realise their full potential. Our motto states that: Golborne High School is a learning community where all pupils believe they can achieve. High proportions of our students have been identified as highly able and as a school community we are committed to providing opportunities within, across and beyond the curriculum to serve the full development of their talents, leading to excellence in achievement.
Our aims:
Culture and ethos of ALL students should aim for excellence
Habits are centred around high expectations and achievement
All learners are challenged through a rigorous, rich and stimulating curriculum
Leadership opportunities are provided at all given opportunities to develop the skills of Most Able and Talented students
Learning is focused on high attainment, aspirational goals and self belief
Enriching opportunities through a wider curriculum to give students the opportunity to perform at the highest level
No holding back! Effective challenge in the classroom for all learners through a ‘teaching to the top’ ethos and approach.
Guidance is clear on pedagogical research and strategies so that challenge permeates from the start to the end of every lesson.
Evaluating the effectiveness of the Most Able and Talented provision through systematic data, assessment and stakeholder information and the regular reviewing of the policy
How we identify our students:
Once our students are identified, a central record of our Most Able students will maintained on SIMS, enabling all staff to consider strategies to support, stretch and challenge these students which will, in turn, raise achievement for all. This record of ability will form part of our current tracking of assessment and achievement data and the DDT cycle.
There are three categories of Most Able students that we will identify:
Exceptionally Able students are identified on a school basis using external data: CATs, Combined KS2 Scores and GCSE target grades. Golborne Exceptionally Able are those with a mean fine scaled score of 110 or more and/or a CAT score of 115 or more and will be identified as ‘H’ in Sims. Students identified as exceptionally able will be tracked to ensure they meet their potential and are extended as appropriate across KS3 and KS4.
Subject Able students are identified at subject level using criteria defined at department level. This could be students who are performing exceptionally well, and above expected progress in a particular subject, but not necessarily identified as an exceptionally able student through the criteria above.
Talented students are identified for skills outside the school and curriculum, they may have an additional language, perform at a regional or national level in a key skill or a high level of sporting or musical ability. These students will be put forward for recognition by subject teachers and other stakeholders.
Implementation: