Gifted and Talented

At St. Joseph’s we recognise our duty to support pupils with specific educational needs. This includes those pupils who have high potential for academic, physical, expressive or creative excellence – our Gifted and Talented.  

Key Stage 3 pupils identified as being ‘Gifted and Talented’ are offered a place in our Scholars’ Stream meaning that they receive extra challenge and support in lessons from teachers and their peers. Beyond lessons, pupils are provided with Hinterland Tasks which support extra learning outside the classroom with optional reading lists, ideas for further investigation, inspirational people and also places to consider visiting.  

As a school, we work with Russell Group universities, employers and STEM organisations to provide additional opportunities for our pupils as well as regularly welcoming guest speakers from around the world. 

Supporting Our Pupils

Pupils who are gifted and talented can have specific needs. They are often curious and analytical, searching for answers beyond the classroom and need additional teacher support and attention. They might also make links across the curriculum and are likely to pursue hobbies to a high degree of expertise and focus needing and deserving teacher recognition.  

We offer a supportive approach that aims to develop and nurture our pupils, rooted in our Catholic ethos and strong pastoral care. Pupils will expect challenging lessons which stretch them academically as well as co-curricular enrichment which opens doors to the world around them. We are also here to answer questions, listen to worries and support our pupils as they grow and mature into tomorrow’s adults.