More Able and Talented

More Able and Talented Coordinator:

Miss S Patten

What does it mean to be More Able and Talented?

Pupils who have been identified as More Able and Talented (MAT) are within the top 10% of their cohort at Trinity. They may either be high achievers already or they may have the potential to be high achievers. Some pupils will be More Able and Talented (MAT) in a range of subjects but all pupils will specialise in at least one subject.

At Trinity School we are committed to ensuring that all pupils can maximise their potential through a nurturing and challenging school environment. We offer a curriculum that provides opportunities for all pupils, whilst also enabling the more able and talented to be stretched and challenged. Within each department, provision is tailored to pupil need and all learning opportunities are designed to ensure that the more able pupils are extended.

In addition to a challenging curriculum, MAT pupils at Trinity School will have the opportunity to access a range of extra-curricular experiences designed to broaden their horizons and further their higher order thinking skills. These vary according to department.

How are pupils identified as More Able and Talented?

At Trinity School, we have many ways to identify students who are more able and talented including:

On-going assessment
Teacher nomination
Transition information
Overall attainment
Overall progress

Aims of the More Able and Talented Programme

The MAT Programme aims to compliment what is already going on in the classroom; it is not a separate entity. Pupils who have been identified as MAT may have differentiated and extended work, and enrichment activities may be available to them in lessons. They may also have opportunities to do independent work in lessons, or even different work from the rest of the class to encourage their thinking and learning skills. Pupils may work in high ability groups and some subjects are set by ability.

In addition to the curriculum offer, the MAT programme is ever changing and evolving to meet the needs of pupils identified as MAT within the school. The MAT coordinator will target pupils as appropriate to engage in a wide range of activities and events. These include, but are not limited to;

TED Talk Club
Engagement with Universities (including 'Getting into a Top University' Conference)
Peer mentoring Programme
Extended Reading Challenge
Subject Extension Masterclass

The Higher & Extended Project (HPQ/EPQ)

MAT Pupils in Years 9 and 10 are encouraged to complete the Higher Project Qualification. Whilst this is worth the equivalent of half a GCSE, more importantly it develops, refines and hones the crucial research and analytical skills paramount to successful study in the future. The qualification requires pupils to undertake a research project of their own choice where they will select their own title, gather data and research, produce a report on their findings and present their findings to an audience.

MAT pupils in KS5 are also encouraged to undertake the Extended Project Qualification (EPQ). The EPQ builds upon the skills developed in the HPQ (though it is not a prerequisite) and is highly regarded by potential employers and Universities. The EPQ is equivalent to half an A Level Qualification. It is our expectation that MAT pupils complete the HPQ in KS4 and progress to our Sixth Form where they will complete the EPQ.

How can I support MAT pupils at home?

There are many ways that parents and carers can support their more able children. Below are just a few ideas that you may like to try.

1. Encourage them to take up a hobby.

2. Encourage independent research (Use local libraries or the school library which has a range of materials for the more able student.)

3. Encourage them to read national newspapers or to watch the news on television, to help their knowledge of current affairs.

4. Talk to them about what they have learnt in school during the day and what has particularly interested them.

5. Support homework activities by ensuring that the work is completed to a high standard.

6. Encourage creative and independent interests using resources either from local libraries, the internet or Trinity School.

7. Help to develop team skills including cooperation and leadership by encouraging your child to take part in team games and sports.

8. Encourage your child's work in school, providing rewards for good work, to stimulate an environment of positive achievement.

9. Talk to them about Thinking Skills and encourage them to do lateral thinking puzzles etc., to increase and develop these skills.

10. Use the websites below for resources and ideas to your child's development. If you do not have Internet access at home, encourage your child to use the Internet at school.