Gifted and Talented - ICT

Identifying students
When identifying students who are gifted in ICT, it is important to remember that they may not be gifted in all aspects of the subject. For example, some students may be able to use high-level programming skills to solve control problems, but may not be as good at constructing and investigating databases. Students who are talented in I.C.T. are likely to:

· Demonstrate I.C.T. capability significantly above that expected for their age.
· Learn and apply new I.C.T. techniques quickly
· Use initiative to exploit the potential of more advanced features of I.C.T. tools
· Explore independently beyond the given breadth of an I.C.T. topic
· Take a leading role in group work, initiate ideas and solve problems

Use of ICT in the subject
· Demonstrate ICT capability significantly above that expected for their age for example, key stage 3 students may be comfortable meeting the demands of the key stage 4 curriculum

Learn and apply new ICT techniques quickly
· For example, students quickly learn to use the advanced features of a software package for routine tasks effectively and appropriately; they quickly apply techniques for integrating applications such as mail merge and databases
· Use initiative to exploit the potential of more advanced features of ICT tools for example, students investigate the HTML source code of a website and apply features such as counters or frames to their own web designs

ICT Skills
· Transfer and apply ICT skills and techniques confidently in new contexts for example, having learned about spreadsheet modelling in a mathematical context, they recognise the potential of applying a similar model in a science investigation

· Explore independently beyond the given breadth of an ICT topic for example, they decide independently to validate information they have found from a website; having learned control procedures for a simple traffic light model, they extend their procedure to include control of a pedestrian crossing

Personal Use of ICT
· Initiate ideas and solve problems, use ICT effectively and creatively, develop systems that meet personal needs and interests for example, they create an interactive fan club website that sends out a monthly newsletter to electronic subscribers (either working on their own, or collaboratively with peers)

All ICT groups are taught in mixed ability classes. Students will be given scope to develop breadth and depth in their knowledge, skills and understanding through opportunities to think creatively, explore and develop ideas, suggest solutions or explanations and reflect on what has been heard, seen or done. Extra curricular activities, including access to ICT facilities outside lesson time, opportunities to develop web pages for the school intranet and to develop business and enterprise related activities, encourage students to develop their skills and knowledge beyond the classroom.

We will:
· use a variety of challenging questioning strategies to encourage students to draw on previous experiences and to apply their thinking to new situations
· make provision for extension and enrichment activities to be built into the programmes of study, setting extension tasks that avoid repetition and encourage students to pursue a greater depth of understanding of the subject
· provide opportunities for differentiation by outcome, pace, task, resources, dialogue and support in class work and in homework
· use a varied approach to teaching and learning to accommodate students’ preferred learning style
· encourage students to use a wide range of source materials and to combine evidence and information from varied sources to exchange and share their knowledge with different audiences for a range of purposes
· challenge students about their approach to a task, in order to encourage them to justify their choices and try out alternative approaches
· encourage students to refine their work by reviewing and evaluating the process undertaken
· discuss with students what they are learning, and encourage them to identify their own learning needs
· provide opportunities for able students to learn together and with students from other age groups, in order to accelerate their learning and give them an opportunity to challenge each other
· provide a rich classroom environment in terms of software, peripherals, display and materials to ensure that the most appropriate resources are available
· maintain a portfolio of outstanding work for teachers and students to look through and incorporate students work within classroom display

Monitoring and Evaluation
Every effort will be made to create a classroom atmosphere that encourages students to succeed. Rewards will be available to students who demonstrate work that is of a good standard for them.
All staff will monitor the work of students in their groups and feed information into the departmental assessment process. A nominated teacher from each faculty/department will attend meetings with the school co-ordinator for gifted and talented and report on relevant issues at faculty/departmental meetings.

PRACTICAL IDEAS FOR GIFTED AND TALENTED PROVISION IN OUR CLASSROOMS
· Show other students how to enhance finished work whilst doing Assessment for learning activities and indeed
· Ask gifted and talented pupils to take the lead in assessment for learning.
· Creating presentations and presenting these to the class at the end of a project.
· Developing a web site for an internal school newsletter.
· Access http://www.teach-ict.com. In order to extend their experiences on a range of ICT issues.
· Use Macromedia flash to create animations to present to peers. The macromedia package is available in all ICT rooms.

To access the package click on: All programs – ICT –



· Increase their ICT range of skills by using higher-end packages such as Photoshop elements
· And last but not least, teacher should be responsible for promoting creativity in the lesson at every opportunity in order to extend and challenge our students!

Useful resources
www.teach-ict.com
ygt.dcsf.gov.uk/

Staff contact details