Ensuring pupils maximise their potential
The Welsh Assembly Government has adopted the phrase ‘More Able and Talented’ to describe pupils who “require opportunities for enrichment and extension that go beyond those provided for the general cohort of pupils…the term ‘more able and talented’ encompasses pupils who are more able across the curriculum as well as those who show talent in one or more specific areas and strengths in leadership, team working and entrepreneurial skills.” (WAG, Meeting the Challenge, 2008)
Who are our MAAT pupils?
MAAT pupils are those who have a CAT score of 120 and above in any of the three CAT tests.
G&T pupils or exceptionally able pupils will be the top 2-5% of the cohort, scoring well over 120 in all CAT tests.
Talented pupils are those that have been identifies as having a particular aptitude in the creative and performance areas of the curriculum, such as PE, Art, Music, Drama etc
What does our school provide for students who are More Able and Talented?
We have a supportive ethos which promotes high self-esteem and which aims to meet the needs of all pupils regardless of emotional, social, linguistic, cultural, physical or intellectual differences. Teachers in this school have developed Schemes of Learning in each area of the curriculum. Lesson planning takes place to ensure every pupil is challenged through differentiated activities and learning outcomes. Extension and enrichment work is provided to extend the more able and pupils are carefully monitored and assessed to ensure progress is being made. The school promotes and encourages a range of opportunities and activities which support and extend learning and the development of talents and abilities. These include developing personal skills and social responsibility through our Pupil Parliament. Lunch time activities such as computer club, maths clubs, art club, drama club take place on a regular basis. Pupils have opportunities to visit universities and meet business owners as part of our out of school activities. The aim of our school is to support MAAT students to become independent and reflective learners.
As a parent, what can I do to support my child?
There are many practical steps that you can take to support and nurture your child, for example by encouraging him/her to:
- Utilise the local library and the internet as learning and research resources
- Visit museums, nature reserves and art galleries
- Watch educational and current affairs programmes such as the news, wildlife/nature programmes and documentaries, and discuss them
- Discuss homework and schoolwork and debate topics, such as politics, the environment and the media
- Take part in extra-curricular activities
- Listen to different types of music and read for pleasure, including demanding/challenging books
- Take regular physical exercise and socialise and relax in between work and learn to ‘switch off’
What can I do to help the school support my child?
As a parent, you are the most constant and important factor in your child’s development. You, better than anyone else, know your child. If there is anything that you feel we need to know – for example, about ‘hidden abilities’ that your child may have which you think are not being catered for properly – please inform us. Parents, teachers – and, most importantly, children – all benefit from close school-parent liaison.