GIFTED & TALENTED

"Gifted and Talented" is a term to describe students who have exceptional abilities or potential in areas such as academics, creativity, leadership, and visual or performing arts. The term "Renzulli" refers to a model of giftedness developed by Joseph Renzulli, which focuses on the interaction between three factors: above-average ability (academic or non academic), high levels of creativity, and task commitment. The Renzulli model suggests that giftedness is not only determined by innate ability, but also by environmental factors such as opportunity, resources, and motivation.

The Renzulli Three-Ring Conception is a model that explains how giftedness and talent develop. There are three important factors that contribute to this development:

• Above-average ability:refers to a student's natural aptitude or talent in a particular area, such as academic achievement, creativity, or leadership.

● Moderate gifted = IQ 130 – 140

● Highly gifted = IQ 140 -150

● Genius = IQ > 150

• Task Commitment: refers to a student's motivation, persistence, and dedication to a particular area or task. Students who have task commitment are willing to invest time and effort in developing their skills and knowledge.

• Creativity: This refers to a student's ability to think and approach problems in novel and original ways, often by making connections between seemingly unrelated ideas or concepts.

Giftedness and talent emerge when these three factors interact with each other. Note: There is a significant group of high achievers whose attainment is within the top cohort of the ability range in their peer/grade level, but who are not considered to be gifted.

IDENTIFICATION

• Above Average Ability: IQ Test, standardised test, school reports

• Creativity & Task Commitment: Teacher and parent observation and interview

• Recommendation from teachers and parents: observation, gifted and talented screening, interview, interest survey, recommendation from external agency (e.g., sports club, Ministry of Education, etc)

VALIDATION

• Once identified (G&T referral form by the class teacher or a direct report from parent/ student/ counsellor), the Student Support Team will work alongside the Heads of Faculty/ Subject Committee to validate this nomination with assessment data.

• If agreed that the criteria (based on school data) are met, the student's name is entered in the G&T register

• Parents will be formally informed and invited to school:

  • Parent and student interview (find out the student’s achievements, preferred learning style, strength and weaknesses)

  • Submit the IQ test results

  • Discuss ways in which the student's needs can be met and how they can be supported.

• Students who are identified as gifted and talented, will receive an Advanced Learning Plan (ALP).

PROVISION

• Differentiation: self directed assignment and activities, groupings, different level of work, enrichment (including, but not limited to NHS membership)

• Support in social and emotional aspects of learning: individual or group counselling

• Provision outside school: referred to outside school enrichment programmes

MONITORING

• Regular observation and recording of progress across the curriculum.

• Encouraging students to assess and review their own performance.

• Valuing out of school achievements.