The Independent Schools Council is a politically independent, not-for-profit organisation representing 1,270 independent schools educating more than 500,000 children. It exists to promote choice, diversity and excellence in education, developing talent at all levels of ability and from all backgrounds.
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- Blog A Bright Spark: ‘Gifted and Talented’ in the Independent Sector
A Bright Spark: ‘Gifted and Talented’ in the Independent Sector
Written by Liam Butler‘Gifted and Talented’ (G&T) children are defined as those who have one or more abilities developed significantly ahead of their year group or have the potential to develop these abilities. Helping Students achieve their full potential is certainly nothing new to Independent Schools but it seems that many are employing new and innovative ways to constantly challenge and engage those classed as ‘gifted and talented’. Provision for G&T pupils in schools, including those represented by the Independent Schools Council (ISC), can consist of master classes and competitions which are often separate from classroom provision, and mostly centred on mathematics, sport and music.
In the state sector students identified under the G&T programme qualify for extra support in their particular subject, whilst academically able students may be fast-tracked to GCSEs a year or so early. In the Independent sector pupils already receive more hours of direct teaching and many schools, especially those with large boarding numbers, have school on a Saturday morning. “Gifted” is generally defined as the top 5-10% of the school population in academic subjects and “Talented” the top 5-10% in other subjects. It should be remembered that these terms do not relate entirely to mainstream academic subjects. They can also refer to ability in such things as expressive arts, sport and music. ISC schools have some of the best theatres, sports facilities and music centres in the country so it comes as no shock to hear of pupils achieving a high standard in the expressive arts. Independent schools have been encouraged in recent years to develop their own G&T policies alongside their own curricula in order to make sure pupils are being supported and nurtured from an early age.
It is interesting to consider how schools around the world deal with G&T pupils. In the US, the model is based firmly on test scores whereas China takes the opposite approach, as did eastern European countries before the collapse of the Soviet Union. There, “children’s palaces” provide free after school tuition in music, art and academic subjects to everyone. This approach uses the children’s natural enthusiasm, and ensures that it is not just those with ambitious families who receive extra help. In western terms, Britain’s interest is comparatively unusual because many European countries, including Italy, France and the Netherlands, don’t do much at all. The Scandinavians appear to do very little yet they always score well in international comparisons of academic performance.
It is not statutory for schools to have a policy on G&T children. However, many do as they are useful reference points when supported by all staff and the Governing Body in a school.
Independent schools will often run their own initiatives enabling students to develop their skills outside the normal GSCE and A-Level curriculums. ISC schools have fantastic facilities and small class sizes allowing for a more bespoke tailor-made education for each pupil. This means that independent schools are leading the way when it comes to nurturing those deemed ‘Gifted’ or ‘Talented’.
One of the reasons parents continue to choose an independent education for their child is thanks to high teaching standards and this clearly reflects in the exam grades that our schools post year after year. In 2008 over half of A Level entries from pupils at ISC schools were awarded a grade A. Also, pupil/teacher ratios continue to fall in ISC schools reflecting many schools’ commitment to teaching a wide range of subjects even if class sizes are small. There is now one teacher to every ten pupils allowing children to receive a uniquely supported and bespoke education. Independent schools are excellent at providing breadth of education as well as flexibility. It is evident that Independent schools are keen to support all of their pupils and not just the top 5%. The unique and flexible approach to education is demonstrated by choice of more than one curriculum in the 6th form such as the International Baccalaureate and Pre-U, allowing parents to pick the school and style of education that best suits their child. Thanks to the flexibility of not being tied to the national curriculum or Local Authorities ISC schools have been some of the first to adopt the IB and Pre-U qualifications, the latter being is a 16+ course designed to prepare students for university. Independent schools offer an array of choices for parents when it comes to curricula and qualifications as well as ‘Gifted and Talented’ programmes and it’s up to parents to do the research and pick the one that will best suit their child. The one-size-fits-all approach to education is long gone in the independent sector and it’s now up to the parent to choose the right school for their child.
For free impartial information from ISCias (ISC information and advice service) on all types of independent schools including both day and boarding schools, you can call 0845 SCHOOLS (7246657) or email information@isc.co.uk. We are available to help week-days 9-5.
By Liam Butler – Senior Information Officer
Liam Butler works for ISCias (Independent Schools Council information & advice service) giving information to parents about Independent schools.
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