Extending opportunities for gifted and talented
Warwickshire County Council’s Extended Services team, the Henley cluster co-ordinator and a Chinese teacher have come together to inspire pupils recognised as gifted and talented in four South Warwickshire schools.
Pupils from Tanworth in Arden C of E Primary, Claverdon Primary, St Mary’s RC Primary and Wootton Wawen C of E Primary School have attended the Bamboo Learning After School project.
The 10 week project has taught the pupils about Mandarin culture, language, food and ways of life, including the zodiac. Gifted and talented children are identified as those with an ability to develop to a level significantly ahead of their year group.
Gifted and talented children and young people are defined by the Department for Children, Schools and Families as having ‘one or more abilities developed (or with potential to develop) to a level significantly ahead of their year group’. The schools identified children (criteria for selecting the children to take part) and the cluster co-ordinator arranged a venue at St Mary’s Primary School.
The cost of the course tutor was paid for by Extended Services. As part of the core provision of extended services, school children are offered a varied menu of activities outside school hours. These can range from study support groups through to sport and music clubs.
William Kingston Cox of Claverdon Primary School said: “We’ve been learning Mandarin Chinese and have learnt the tones of the language and Chinese calligraphy.”
Councillor Izzi Seccombe, Warwickshire County Council portfolio holder for children, young people and families, said: “The county council has very high aspirations for every single one of its children and young people. We place equal emphasis on nurturing a special talent such as that of the children who attended this course and on raising the bar for other children who may be struggling in their education. I am delighted with the success of this project and proud of the hard work of the children.”
Extended Services facilitates a range of activities for all the family such as family and adult learning, community access to facilities such as ICT or sports venues and parenting sessions. Childcare is often provided alongside these services to enable families to attend.
For information on extended services in your area, log onto http://www.warwickshire.gov.uk/extendedservices.