Strong leadership and high expectations helps nurture and challenge pupils who are more able and talented
Estyn’s report, ‘Supporting more able and talented pupils’ outlines how highly-effective teaching, strong external partnerships and opportunities for pupils to learn independently are enabling schools to stretch their more able and talented pupils successfully.
Meilyr Rowlands, Chief Inspector, says,
There are pupils in every school in Wales who have exceptional academic abilities or skills. Some pupils may show an aptitude in areas such as art, music, drama or sport, whereas others may demonstrate outstanding leadership, team working or entrepreneurial skills. Schools must provide extended opportunities across the curriculum for these more able and talented pupils to achieve their full potential.
Today’s report uses case studies to showcase innovative approaches to stimulating and challenging young minds of all abilities.
The report highlights Ysgol y Preseli which used guidance from the National Association for Able Children in Education to develop a consistent, school-wide approach to meeting the needs of its more able and talented pupils. The creation of a pupil mentoring programme for more able pupils in key stage 3 supports them to develop their social and academic skills . This approach has had a strong impact on pupil outcomes since its introduction in 2013.
In addition to identifying effective and innovative practice, the report also outlines the role that local authorities and regional consortia can play in providing suitable training and guidance to enable schools to meet the needs of more able and talented pupils.
Case studies
- Evenlode Primary School, Vale of Glamorgan
- Langstone Primary School, Newport
- Treorchy Comprehensive School, Rhondda Cynon Taff
- St Joseph’s RC High School, Newport
- Ysgol y Preseli, Pembrokeshire
- Llandrillo yn Rhos Primary School, Conwy