Glenthorne High School - Guidance for Parents and Carers of MAG&T pupils

Guidance for Parents & Carers of MAG&T StudentsIdentification

The Department for Children, Schools & Families defines MAG&T pupils as:

“Children and young people with one or more abilities developed to a level significantly aheadof their year group* (or potential to develop these abilities)”.

At Glenthorne High School we have a detailed register of pupils that we have identified as More Able,Gifted or Talented, using a range of evidence including a variety of assessment data as well asteacher recommendations. Our definitions reflect national guidelines and refer to the following:

More Able = Top 10% in each subject and year group according to assessment data. Gifted = Particular strength or natural ability in 1 or more “academic” subject/s. Talented = Particular strength or natural ability in the Arts and/or Sports. Core Group = A mix of the highest achieving and attaining “More Able” and “Gifted”

pupils in each year group and those with the potential to be.

N.B. *Since relative ability changes over time, learners may move on and off the register asappropriate, e.g. at key transition points such as moving up from primary to secondary and movingyear group or key stage.

Support in School

Within school there is a structured programme to support, challenge and motivate our More Able,Gifted and Talented pupils:

Subject teachers are aware of pupils on the MAG&T register and plan to differentiate lessonsaccordingly.

There are accelerated pathways built into our curriculum which enable MAG&T pupils to takeexaminations early in some subjects.

Senior and Subject Leaders track the progress of MAG&T pupils and intervene whereunderachievement is identified.

A wide variety of extra-curricular enrichment activities are organised by all subject teams toextend the learning of MAG&T pupils and provide opportunities to broaden their subjectknowledge.

Assistant Heads of Year provide extra mentoring for pupils in the Core Groups and run team-building activities so that MAG&T pupils have the opportunity to work with pupils of a similarability and extend their social support network within school.

Support at Home

You have been supporting your child for many years so you already know that parenting or caring fora More Able, Gifted & Talented child presents its own rewards and challenges. There are growingnumbers of national organisations that provide guidance and support for parents and carers ofMAG&T children, the websites of some of the most useful are listed overleaf. However, if you wouldlike to discuss specific issues or concerns relating to your child please do not hesitate to contact his orher Assistant Head of Year.

Glenthorne High School - Guidance for Parents and Carers of MAG&T pupils

General Notes

As you are well aware, not all children are the same. Every child has a unique profile oftalents, abilities and strengths, however there are some general issues which apply to manyMAG&T children. Here are a few simple guidelines which may be worth bearing in mindwhen you are thinking about how best to support your child at home:

Many MAG&T children, especially girls, often lack self-esteem and confidence andbelieve their achievements are the result of “luck” rather than hard work or intelligence.

It’s important to let them know you are proud of who they are and not just what theyachieve and not to let their abilities become the centre of your relationship with them.

Allow and support, 'failures' and mistakes, this is an essential part of their developmentand one that many MAG&T pupils struggle with.

Discuss and talk through social situations if necessary – some MAG&T children may findthis aspect of their school life challenging.

Encourage them to extend their general knowledge - by watching the news anddocumentaries or reading the newspaper or news online.

Be responsive to what they want, involve them in decisions about their lives andencourage them to make appropriate choices about their education, but be realistic anddon't let everything revolve around them all the time.

Encourage your child to be modest with their peers and siblings. Continue to share or discuss books with them as they get older. Explore your area to find ways to develop your child's interests e.g. libraries, art

galleries, museums, clubs and interest groups. Involve their friends. Encourage exercise to maintain mental wellbeing and provide a counterbalance to their

studies. Try not to focus always on your child's obvious skills - give them the opportunity to

broaden and extend their other talents and interests and to step outside of their comfortzone sometimes. Encourage them to sample new activities.

Challenge complacency but try not to pressurise them. Be vigilant for signs of stress or“burn out”.

Encourage a healthy work-life balance. Give them time to relax, think and plan their owntime, including exercise and social activities - try not to organise too much for them.

You can find more detailed support and guidance from the following organisations:

www.nace.co.uk

The National Association for Able Children in Education

www.direct.gov.uk

Government Advice for More Able, Gifted & Talented parents & students

www.nagcbritain.org.uk

National Association for Gifted Children