Gifted learners, although possessing higher levels of intelligence than their peers, are disadvantaged in the sense that they frequently do not, or are not given the opportunity, to reach their full potential.
This is primarily because schools and teachers are unaware of how to appropriately cater to these learners. Gifted children have special learning needs, which if not met, can lead to frustration, a loss of self-esteem, boredom, laziness and underachievement.
In one-to-one sessions a gifted child can be given material that is appropriately challenging whilst getting emotional support and encouragement that they can succeed at this level. Such students don’t need to practice new concepts as much so are ready to move on more quickly. The usual classroom set up can’t provide for this and so fulfil the child’s needs.
What ‘gifted and talented’ means
‘Gifted and talented’ describes children with the ability or potential to develop significantly ahead of their peers:
- ‘Gifted’ learners are those with abilities in one or more academic subjects, such as maths or English
- ‘Talented’ learners are those who have practical skills in areas such as sport, music, design or creative and performing arts
Skills and attributes such as leadership, decision-making and organisation may also be taken into account.
Is my child gifted or talented?
If you think your child is gifted or talented, please discuss their abilities and needs with me, we can work out a challenging curriculum for them which, with liaison with their school, can complement and inform school provision and enable them to fulfil their potential.
