Gifted, More Able & Talented Students
Understanding GMAT (Gifted, More Able & Talented)
At Queen Elizabeth’s High School, every effort is made to provide for differences of ability, which exist even within a selective school.
The school has a GMAT policy in place, a member of staff responsible for its implementation and an entire body of teaching and support staff who are determined to offer each and every student the very best learning experience that they can provide. Our Gifted and Talented Policy can be viewed in the 'Other Policies' tab on the policy page here.
Our Gifted, More Able and Talented (GMAT) students have been identified as achieving, or having the potential to achieve, highly in one or more subject areas.
KS3 (Year 7-9)
Our KS3 students are admitted to the GMAT register through either a top 5% MidYis test score, or through teacher nomination. All subjects have a departmental profile that helps staff to recognise the qualities that a very able learner may demonstrate in their curriculum area. Subject nominations are reviewed on an annual basis, but students identified by MidYis scores remain on the register throughout their time at the school.
At KS3, staff aim to foster a love of learning and help students to thrive in their subjects. For our GMAT students this can mean challenging them to think about things in different ways, encouraging them to explore the subject beyond the classroom, setting extension tasks, higher order questioning or giving them roles and responsibilities to work alongside others within the classroom environment.
These are a wealth of opportunities for students to supplement their learning. These range from subject based trips and visits to lunchtime clubs and activities.
KS4 (Year 10-11)
In KS4, students are admitted to the GMAT register through either a top 5% MidYis test score, or through teacher nomination. All subjects have a departmental profile that helps staff to recognise the qualities that demonstrate a very able learner in their curriculum area. Subject nominations are reviewed on an annual basis, but students identified by MidYis scores remain on the register throughout their time at the school.
Many of our GMAT students finds that KS4 provides them with the opportunity to grow as an independent learner and become a more critical thinker. There is, naturally, a focus on preparing for the final examinations but, for our most able, they also enjoy personalised learning as subject teachers push them to challenge themselves and to grow in confidence. Although the highest GCSE grade is a 9, we do not believe in glass ceilings here at QEHS and we enjoy developing learners who are guided beyond typical examination content and encouraged to explore their strengths further. This could be through an extended mathematical concept, a new way of looking at a historical interpretation, or self-reflection when coaching others in PE. Whatever their areas of strength, our aim is to push their boundaries to explore what they are capable of.
KS4 offers an exciting range of opportunities beyond the classroom. Trips and visits remain popular and begin to be used in an increasingly comprehensive way. Able Year 10 and 11 students benefit greatly from the opportunity to work with their Sixth Form counterparts who are keen to offer advice and guidance from their own, recent, experiences. Subject choice is at the heart of their personalised learning. For example, able linguists are able to study multiple languages, while the chance to take AS Level Sociology provides an exciting opportunity for others.
Sixth Form
At QEHS, we recognise that our most able students need access to a broad, balanced and challenging curriculum. We are dedicated to providing our students with the tools they need for success, not only for their academic lives in Sixth Form but also beyond school and into further education and fulfilling careers. Our aim is to give them the very best opportunities in order for them to achieve their full potential.
GMAT students are currently identified by their subject teachers. Students may be identified as displaying potential in a certain subject through a combination of markers including class work, homework assignments, contributions to lessons and group work activities.
First and foremost, out GMAT students are offered stretch and challenge in the classroom. This may be through higher order questioning, differentiated assignments, access to more challenging concepts or guidance for independent learning and discovery.
Beyond the classroom there is a plethora of activities to challenge our most able. Many are keen to take leadership opportunities through work on the Senior Team or as House Representatives. GMAT students make superb Subject Ambassadors where they are able to grow their own passion for their subject(s) and share that passion with others. We have regular guest speakers who both inspire and provide useful information about future prospects. Taking an EPQ is also a popular choice for many of our able Sixth Formers and provides them with a unique opportunity to engage in intensive research on a topic of their own choice.
Trips and visits are in abundance. Our GMAT students not only benefit from the visits arranged within departments, but can also join us on a visit to Cambridge University, the Lincolnshire School’s Oxbridge Conference or one of the many ‘future medic’ days that are held both locally and further afield. Our school’s Work Experience Coordinator is always on hand to help arrange any work experience placements or volunteering opportunities that they may wish to explore.
Supporting your child
Parents receive a letter informing them of their child's GMAT nomination and are provided with an access code for the Potential Plus website. This is a superb organisation that is replete with expert advice and tips for supporting your very able child.
Where there may be further questions, or should additional information be required, parents are encouraged to contact Mrs Griffin (GMAT Lead) [email protected]
Further useful organisations and websites may be explored by clicking on the links below:
https://www.nace.co.uk/page/parents-carers
https://mensa.org.uk/highly-able-children/
Alternatively, parents who are seeking somewhere for them and their child to learn together, or to initiate some interesting family discussions, may also enjoy the videos in the link below:
