As a school we have been awarded the NACE (National Association for Able Children in Education) Challenge Award in recognition of our provision for Gifted and Talented students. We are the first selective independent school and first GSA school to receive the award.
A broad range of enrichment opportunities are offered to all our students to broaden and further their learning experience. Many of these take place outside school or off timetable such as the Lower V Gifted and Talented study day, Puzzle Challenge day, Languages day, Maths Challenge, Humanities day etc. Other enrichment occurs within school at lunchtimes to suit individual student’s interests such as Greek club, Medicine club, Mandarin Club and various other activities as detailed in the Abbey Edge.
Within the classroom, teaching staff are encouraged to plan lessons to meet the needs of all their students, and provide stretching and challenging activities for the exceptionally able. Teaching staff participate in regular professional development in the latest teaching and learning techniques such as Thinking Hats, Questioning skills, Higher Order thinking activities and Assessment for learning.
Whilst our approach stretches all pupils, we do identify gifted and talented pupils in all areas and ensure that they are provided with extension work and extra challenge.