Able and Talented
« Middlewich Stars Programme «
AIMS:
- to raise achievement for our high ability and gifted & talented students
- to raise achievement in high ability disadvantaged students
OUTCOMES:
- to develop skills and qualities to support success including independent learning, research, presentation and communication skills
- to extend knowledge and understanding across a range of subject areas
PROGRAMME:
- Miss Holt (Assistant Headteacher – Raising Standards Lead) & Mrs Morgan (Learning Coach) will identify high ability students in each year group (based on KS2 data) and invite them (and parents) to an initial launch event
- each year group will aim to complete a targeted programme of challenges
- students can choose which challenges they wish to complete (minimum of 6 each year plus 3 ‘special’ challenges)
- upon completion students will receive an award (pin badge & certificate)
- students can then progress to the next stage
- students who complete all challenges will achieve an ‘award plus’
- examples of work will be published in school and via social media
- parents and students will be invited to an initial launch event and then celebration event at the end of the academic year
- programme will launch in summer term 2017 for Y8-10 and September 2017 for the new Y7
- Mrs Morgan will support PP students completing the programme
FORMAT:
Departments will be asked to suggest one challenge per year group which meets the following criteria:
- related to the subject but not necessarily what is studied that year
- involves independent study/research/activity (can involve group work)
- will extend knowledge, understanding or skills
- can be quickly and easily evidenced
- students have to provide evidence that the challenge was completed
AWARDS:
- Year 7 = Bronze
- Year 8 = Silver
- Year 9 = Gold
- Year 10 = Platinum
- Year 11 = Diamond
Students need to complete 6 subject-related challenges and 3 ‘special’ challenges to achieve their award.
If students complete all the suggested challenges they will achieve the ‘award plus’.
EXAMPLES:
- Subject-related challenges:
Subject |
CHALLENGE |
EVIDENCE REQUIRED |
Generic |
Read around a topic you are studying in school. |
Create a mind map showing your understanding. |
|
Research a subject expert. |
Describe the expert; explain their ideas/achievements and your opinion on their ideas. |
|
Research a controversial global issue. |
Describe the issue and explain both opinions on the issue. Then outline your opinion. |
|
Research the best ways to learn and revise. |
Create a mind-map showing your findings. |
|
Attend a musical/concert/play/talk and write about it. |
Copy of ticket and a description of the event. |
|
Go on an educational visit. E.g. - Warwick Castle. |
Photo evidence plus a report from the visit. |
English |
Write a report/article that is published on the school website or in our newsletter. |
Photo evidence plus a summary of what your article was based on. |
|
Watch a film and then review it. |
Rate the film and write a review of it; outlining strengths and weaknesses. |
|
Read 2 fictional books and write a book review. |
Write a book review and score each book; explaining which one you think is better and why. |
Maths |
Research a mathematical problem. |
Provide evidence of research and outcome. |
MFL |
Start learning a new language. |
Write 30 words in your journal plus their English translation. No French, Spanish or German! |
Creative Design |
Bake/cook an item/meal of your choice. |
Add the recipe to your journal plus photo evidence. |
|
Represent your family through your own choice of media. |
Photo evidence and review of the process. |
Geography |
Research 3 countries that you have visited or want to visit. |
Create a fact-file for each country and include key information about the country. |
History |
Research a key event/character in history/certain time period. |
Evidence of research including review of impact of this person/event. |
|
Who was the greatest leader – Caesar or Hitler? |
Create fact-file about each and a comparison report. |
Music |
Learn to play a new musical instrument. |
Photo evidence plus copies of grade certificates. |
|
Compose your own song. |
Provide copy of composition in your preferred format. |
|
Attend a musical/concert and write about it. |
Copy of ticket and a review of the event. |
PE |
Attend a sporting event. |
Photo evidence/copy of ticket as well as a newspaper report on the sporting event with all event details included. |
|
How has the men’s 100m world record (athletics) changed in the past 100 years and why? |
Create a fact-file and investigative report. |
- Special Challenges:
Community |
Complete 5 hours of voluntary experience/work. |
Photo evidence plus a summary of what you did and the skills you gained from it. |
|
Raise money for a charity. |
Photo evidence and a summary of how much you raised and for which charity. |
|
Raise awareness of an issue. |
Photo evidence and a summary of the issue and why you chose it. |
School |
Attend 2 different house events. |
Photo evidence or signed note from tutor. |
|
Attend 2 extra-curricular activities (NOT house competitions). |
Photo evidence or signed note from teacher. |
|
Achieve student of the week/month/half-term in a subject or in form. |
Photo evidence or note from teacher/form tutor. |
|
Help the school with an extra-curricular activity or an open evening. |
Photo evidence or signed note from teacher. |
Futures |
Create a fact-file on 3 jobs you might like to do when you get older. |
Create a fact-file on each potential job including necessary qualifications needed. |
|
Reflect on 3 main skills you have and 3 areas to improve. |
Create a table showing your skills. |
|
Take part in the Y10 mock interview. |
Review the questions that you were asked in the interview and your responses. |
|
Attend a cultural/academic event. E.g. Art event or university event. |
Photo evidence and your opinions on the event. |
|
Attend a careers fair (school or elsewhere). |
Photo evidence and written review. |
- Success Criteria:
Initial Success |
How will this be achieved |
Time Scale |
Student feedback |
Student has a good understanding of what the Middlewich Stars Programme is about and what is needed to achieve the awards. |
Within 2 weeks of starting MSP |
Parent Feedback |
Initially send out letters/emails, if no feedback has been received, contact parents to receive feedback and answer any questions they may have. |
Within 2 weeks for the majority, however this maybe ongoing |
Ongoing Success |
|
|
Student |
Booklet Evidence – logged in SIMS as a PLC |
Completing at least 1 challenge each half term to successfully complete the award within 12 months. |
Feedback to Parents |
Through PLC on parent portal |
Throughout the award programme |
Teacher Feedback |
Form tutors to feedback regarding the award. |
Throughout the award programme |
Annual awards |
Special presentation evening with parents, sponsors & SLT |
In summer term |