Gifted and Talented

Within the Aimhigher programme our role is to identify subgroups which will benefit from specific support. Among these groups are those students who are identified by their school as gifted and talented learners. They may already be involved in gifted and talented programmes run by either the school or the Young Gifted and Talented (YG&T) programme.

Many of these learners are currently underachieving due to lack of self-esteem, motivation and aspiration and therefore it is vital that they are supported during the progression to post-16 education.

Research shows that activities that are integrated into the curriculum are the most effective and also where programmes are tailored to the needs of the student. However one-off activities have also been shown to have some impact.

As recommended in the 2005 White Paper 'Higher Standards, Better Schools for All', Aimhigher co-ordinators should work closely with those responsible for gifted and talented learners within schools. Schools are required to:

• Identify gifted and talented students for the National Register;
• Appoint Leading Teachers for catch-up sessions in Literacy, Numeracy and the Gifted and Talented programme;
• Provide access to study support for disadvantaged learners; and
• Personalise learning.