We aim to enable and inspire all students to reach their unique potential, but recognise that many of our students are particularly able or talented in various fields. To nurture these talents and promote high aspirations, we offer a broad and challenging curriculum alongside a range of enrichment opportunities so that students can extend their learning experience further.
The Aspiration Roadmap at the bottom of this page outlines what this looks like for each year group.
Definitions
‘Very Able’ students are those who have exceptional abilities in one or more subjects in the statutory curriculum. Such students are likely to be those whose outstanding academic ability is so evident that the curriculum or teaching methodologies are modified to meet their needs.
‘Talented’ students are able to excel in practical or creative skills and have exceptional performance ability in a specific area/area(s) e.g. Design and Technology, Music, Drama and P.E.
Further information is available to parents via Firefly.
NACE
Our school membership of the National Association for Able Children in Education (NACE) reflects our commitment to providing an aspirational education at all levels. NACE has produced a superb range of resources to support parents and carers of able children. If you feel your child is displaying high levels of cognitive aptitude in any number of areas, this 'NACE Essentials’ publication is very helpful. It will also be helpful if your child has been placed on the Very Able and Talented Register.
The Brilliant Club
We offer Year 10 students the chance to participate in the Scholars' Programme, run by The Brilliant Club. Successful applicants progress through a course of seminars with a PhD tutor, learning about their specialist area and vital university-level study skills, ultimately culminating in a 2000-word assignment and an exciting graduation event. Over the past three years, all of our Brilliant Club Scholars have not only completed the programme, but also achieved either a First Class honours grade or a 2:1 - a testament to their hard work and talent.
Thriving Minds Academy Learning
We are delighted to be hosts for the Academy Learning Intermediate Stretch and Challenge Conference for the East Midlands region. This stimulating masterclass provides students in Years 8 and 9 with the opportunity to ponder the 'Big Questions' in life, as well as debate with students from other schools in the area.
English Speaking Union
As part of our commitment to developing students’ oracy skills at the highest level, our Key Stage 4 Debating team enters the English Speaking Union (ESU)’s MACE National Debating Competition. Last year, our Year 10 team performed impressively against Sixth Form teams. This year, some KS4 students are also receiving coaching to participate in the ESU’s Public Speaking Competition. Meanwhile our KS3 Debaters hold a lively parliamentary-style debate on topical issues every week.
Talk The Talk
Students in Years 7, 8 and 9 who have demonstrated excellent oracy skills throughout the year also benefit from the opportunity to participate in a communication workshop run by Talk The Talk in the Spring/Summer term. This is an exciting masterclass that coaches students in advanced speaking skills.
Metacognitive learning
We support all our students in developing metacognitive skills (awareness of one’s own learning process) through evidence-based teaching strategies. To become even more effective learners, download the excellent e-book by education experts Tom Sherrington and Oliver Caviglioli from the link at the bottom of this page.
Competitions and Challenges
We also encourage students to maximise their learning experience through participation in a wide variety of super curricular activities, both in school and outside. One excellent way in which students can develop their own interests and talents further is through entering national competitions and challenges through organisations which promote mastery of subject disciplines.
We have collated a range of the best competitions for various academic areas here:
Competitions & Challenges — Bishop Stopford School (fireflycloud.net)