Able, Gifted & Talented (AG&T)
Departmental provision
At St Mark’s Church of England Academy, we believe that all children are entitled to an
education that will enable them to develop their full potential, be that intellectual,
physical, aesthetic, creative, emotional, spiritual or social, finding appropriate challenge
in our learning environment. All students have individual needs, which put personalised
learning at the heart of our teaching and learning.
St Mark’s Church of England Academy is committed to providing a sufficiently
challenging curriculum for all students. In addition, we will provide opportunities to
identify and in turn nurture those who are more able and their abilities.
What is Able, Gifted and Talented?
Able pupils
These are pupils who achieve, or have the ability to achieve, above average (compared
with the attainment of other students in their year group at St Marks) in one or more of
the National Curriculum subjects.
Gifted pupils
These are pupils who have the ability to excel significantly above average (compared
with the attainment of other students in their year group at St Marks) in one or more
academic subject areas. (English, Mathematics, Science, RE, History, Geography)
Talented pupils
These are pupils who have the ability to excel significantly above average in a practical
skill such as sport, leadership, art. These students may follow a vocational training
pathway.
In providing for its Able, Gifted and Talented students the Academy will seek to:
Develop an ethos where its 'cool', accepted and sought after to be bright and/or
talented.
Recognise and reward achievement.
Provide a wide range of extension and enrichment opportunities and in so doing
Ensure that attainment targets reflect the ability and potential to secure appropriate
pace and challenge in learning.
Ensure students are working at an appropriate level and are provided with resources
to support their learning and progression.
English
KS3
-big push on level 7 and level 8
activities in all lessons
abstract tasks to complete which require higher level thinking skills.
progress book work-doing that after
each assessment done-two per half term
-evaluation- copies made
for each classroom:
activities for reaching level 6,7,8s and works towards training these students to mentor
students of other abilities in these skills.
-Fi on Film: Yesterday Futures for
KS3 and KS4 on the Tuesday 11th November 2014.
KS4
-they are in sets, first two sets do most stretching
work
abstract tasks to complete which require higher level thinking skills.
students. They are currently being trained as speaking and listening examiners and
coursework mentors
- Jack Petchey Speak Out Challenge for public speaking-Y10- CDK
- Enrichment session to improve controlled assessments and for revision-once a week
U has launched the ‘A team’ in her top set year 11 class- and imitative which
comes with a display aimed at motivating students to achieve the highest grades.
involved writing, directing and filming their own film. This will be shown at the Wimbledon
Curzon with parents invited to attend in September 2014
KS5
on Gothic literature
Mathematics
• AG&T provision is outlined in each separate scheme of work for each module as
extension tasks.
• Setting within the department identifies the more able Maths students and these are
taught in different set.
• AG&T Maths club every Thursday after school
• More able students are given the opportunity to take part in several competitions:
- The Intermediate Maths Challenge group which comprises of students from year 9, 10
and11 have their exams in February 2015
- The Junior Maths Challenge group which comprises students from year 7 and 8 have
their exams in March 2015
- There is a master Classes for 3 year 9 students with Kingston University starting
January 2016 and these students are registered for the UK Maths Challenge • The
AG&T students are used to model answers and doing Investigation and presenting to
the whole class.
• In KS4 AG&T students are entered for statistics.
• Aimhigher Collaborative Conference for Year 12 Science AG&T students, Wednesday
November 12th 2016 at the Royal Veterinary College (RVC), Camden
• More AG&T trips to be confirmed.
Science
Fun Science club (all KS3)
Tuesday 3-4pm –
Students will be given the opportunity to conduct fun science practical’s which are not
normally delivered with the curriculum.
KS4
Medical Lecture.
AG&T students who are interested in a career in medicine or nursing will have the
opportunity to visit Kings College University to take part in a number of medical activities
as well as a tour of the campus in spring term.
St Georges Medical students.
St Georges medical students will visit the academy through this academic year to deliver
a number of sciences based road shows related to the medical and nursing field in
summer term.
Science week
It will include whole quizzes and games for coaching time, lesson starters and plenaries
for science lessons and a programme for a whole school assembly during this week.
AG&T students will be used to deliver practical activities to lower years or to coach
groups.
Trips and excursions.
• There will be a summer term trip to the science Museum for year 7 and year 8 AG&T
students.
Enterprise and Technology (Business studies, Computing, Catering and Resistant
Materials)
Business Studies
Year 10 GCSE Business and Communication Systems:
• Students are being asked to design a website that can be used by the whole class. It
should contain useful information to help students with the course. As part of this ongoing activity, students will work with others as part of a team and they will lead the
team, making a range of decisions and coordinating the activities of the team. They will
also feedback to their teachers about the success and development of the website.
Year 11 Business Studies:
• Students are being asked to create resources for a Business Studies lesson or series
of lessons that include a range of teaching strategies including a starter, main activities
and / or a plenary. These students will play a significant part in developing resources
and contribute to lesson outcomes including playing the role of student envoy, teacher
and facilitator.
• In addition to the above projects, G&T students are given extension activities; they are
also encouraged to play a significant role in lessons including leading starters or
plenaries, checking student understanding and progress in lessons and developing
resources.
Technology
KS4
• G&T students are encouraged to excel within their controlled assessment.
• Differentiated modules for G & T students.
• Students are encouraged to think of original and unique approaches to their product
• Past paper questions provided with opportunities to sit a mock exam
• Opportunities for G&T students to mark past students work and compare their work.
• Plan to set up a sustainable project where students customise existing clothing
• Plan to set up a catwalk show which showcases students’ designs and products
Computing
KS3
• Extension work for the G&T students
• Differentiated tasks for the more able
• G&T student are used to lead learning
KS4
Year 10:
• Students are being asked to design an app that could be used by students to support
their learning in Computing. They need to present their ideas to the class and get
feedback. As students receive feedback they continue to develop and adapt their app
and create further apps for use in the classroom and for other groups of students,
possibly in Year 6 or 7.
Year 11:
• Students are being asked to share their ideas and/or tips on how to improve their
understanding of ICT and Business Studies. They are being asked to provide advice to
other students on how to complete a range of coursework tasks at a higher grade. This
can be in the form of resources, a presentation or talk to other students. The information
they provide can be used to support other students’ learning and can be used to develop
the teaching of ICT and Business at Key Stage 4.
• In addition to the above projects, AG&T students are also encouraged to play a
significant role in lessons including leading starters or plenaries, checking student
understanding and progress in lessons and developing resources.
Creative Arts (Drama, Music and Art)
Art
• Extension tasks are built into all schemes of work for AG&T students
• AG&T students support less able students in lessons
• AG&T students demonstrate different techniques and processes during lessons to
consolidate understanding
• School trips to the Tate Modern, Globe Theatre and National Gallery
• AG&T students are currently working on art displays throughout the academy to
promote our Christian ethos and core values: Love, Hope and Trust
Music
• Students are given extension tasks to challenge and stretch them in lessons.
• Students are given extra homework to complete in order to further their learning.
• Students have the opportunity to practice their instrument skills at lunch times.
• Music enrichment clubs run after school with opportunities for the students to help lead
them.
• A singing group runs for gifted singers, leading to performances at the Albert Hall.
• Free guitar lessons for gifted musicians.
• Keyboard club on Tuesday and music club runs after school on Thursday for talented
musicians.
• Opportunities to perform inside and outside of school, such as the Christmas Concert,
MMF
journey Project and Mitcham Carnival.
Drama
• AG&T students in Drama are always given harder tasks and extension activities to
enable them to achieve higher grades.
• Theatre trips and workshops with professionals are organised for AG&T such as recent
collaborations with the Brit School of performing Arts.
• The Drama enrichment group is targeted for AG&T students. Here they can develop
and further their knowledge and understanding of Drama whilst working with other likeminded students.
• Public performances for the Enrichment students – representing the school in many
theatre events such as Shakespeare for Schools’ festival
• AG&T students are used to lead others in supporting them in class and modelling
creative ideas.
• The Carol North Trophy for Excellence in Drama recognises outstanding achievement
in the subject.
• Talented student are used as leaders during lessons – students leading learning –
Brumer’s pyramid of learning (90% retained if teaching to others)
• All schemes of work throughout KS3 & KS4 have differentiated activities depending on
the tasks given. All AG&T pupils are expected to produce high and individual standards
in their work. Students are expected to complete any extension tasks given in
performing, composing, listening and appraising.
•Year 10 AG&T students are given the opportunity to do their work experience
placements within the department
Extra-curricular work with members of staff, for example, during lunchtimes and after
school (by arrangement with the subject teacher)
Modern Foreign Languages
• Differentiation during lessons to stretch the most able students.
• Leadership opportunities within lessons where students are used to lead part of
lessons starters or plenaries.
• Year 8 and year 9 AG&T Pen pal project with a school in Paris.
• Year 9 AG&T French project when students go to a local primary school to teach year
5 students in summer term.
• AG&T students in Years 7 and Year 9 have a differentiated AG&T workbook which
provides extension/supplementary work for homework.
• The Year 10 and year 11 option group use AG&T differentiated textbook and extension
materials is given for homework.
• Trips:
- French film approchoaches: a GCSE study Day
Physical Education
• Differentiation during lessons to stretch the most able students – G&T students will be
given more challenging tasks that will involve higher level of skill or tactics.
• Leadership opportunities within the lesson – Pupils to lead groups in activities and help
other pupil’s progress with certain skills or techniques.
• Opportunities to gain leadership qualifications within certain sports – Junior football
Organiser, Sports leader Level 1.
• AG & T workshop days
• Extra-Curricular clubs available for students in a range of sports – The activities we
provide cover a broad range of activities that range from team games to individual
games, and core areas of outwitting opponents and accurate replication
• Year 8 AG&T sports leaders’ academy.
Humanities (Geography, History, RE, PSHE, Sociology, Travel and Tourism and
Psychology)
Geography Provision
KS3
Explanation
Levelled assessments
Evidence
To encourage pupils to
All assessments have
achieve the highest
printed level criteria
grade possible, with
(accessible on the R:
students encouraged to
Drive).
go for higher grades.
G&T pupils given
specific advice to reach
level 7 and 8.
Individual research
G & T pupils encouraged to
Students presentations (e.g. Year
complete their own research and
8 Africa presentations)
present to the class.
Student-leaders
G & T pupils have specific roles
Specific lessons: e.g. Year 7
within groups (e.g. DecisionMitcham Common lesson; Year 9
makers for Mitcham Common
t-shirt factory enactment.
task).
Student-teachers
G&T pupils learn about a specific
E.g. Year 9 G&T students
topic and then teach it to small
teaching about different
groups.
development indicators.
Young Geographer of the Year
Competition where G&T pupils
Young Geographer of the Year
are encouraged and given
competition (October 2013).
support to enter a national contest Winning entries to be displayed
to find the UK’s Young
around the department.
Geographer of the Year for KS3.
The department also runs its own
contest with rewards for
outstanding work.
Trips
G&T pupils going on a trip to
Trip.
Westminster Abbey where they
will do a presentation on a country
of their choice
KS4
Higher tiered papers
G&T pupils encouraged
Practice exams next
to challenge themselves
term for year 11 with
with the hardest
extension questions for
questions to gain the
G&T pupils.
highest grades.
Extension tasks
G&T pupils asked to make
Mt Pinatubo posters – year 10.
detailed posters on specific case
studies (e.g. Mt Pinatubo
volcano).
Young Geographer of the Year
Competition where G&T pupils
Young Geographer of the Year
are encouraged and given
competition (October 2013).
support to enter a national contest Winning entries to be displayed
to find the UK’s Young
around the department.
Geographer of the Year for KS3.
The department also runs its own
contest with rewards for
outstanding work.
Student-taught case studies
G&T pupils asked to research a
Year 10 and 11 lessons (e.g.
particular case study and then
Kashmir earthquake, 2005).
teach it in an interesting way to
the rest of the class.
KS5
Aspirational trips
Trip to the Geography
Trip around Easter time
department at Oxford
University planned for
later this year to raise
student aspirations and
Trip to
make them aspire for the
highest possible grades.
Project-based learning based on
Trip in Nov 2013
information and a talk at the
Thames Barrier, which will