Why gifted and talent? Rationale Left   Students from Summerhill working on their debating skills in the Oxford Union debating chamber.

The LEA's commitment to gifted and talented pupils within the borough is not based on an elitist notion that we must provide a superior education for outstanding young people. Nor is it due to the fact that since January 2000 all schools in their Ofsted report will be judged on their ability to, 'meet the needs of gifted and talented children'.

Clearly schools would be poorly advised if they ignored the inspection process.  Nevertheless the primary reason for focussing on gifted and talented is firmly rooted in the commitment to equal opportunities and our wish to give opportunities to every child to meet their maximun potential.

Just as there are pupils who have learning difficulties and need a particular type of support, so there are also able pupils who also need help to achieve their potential.  Able pupils left to themselves do not always do well.  This is a discredited notion.  We do need to pay attention to gifted and talented pupils and, just as we value all other children, attempt to adress their needs.

Meeting the Needs of The More Able Pupil
is available from
Dudley LEA Publications

Saltwells Education Development Centre, Bowling Green Road, Dudley  DY2 9LY
publications@saltwells.dudley.gov.uk