Higher Attaining Pupils
What is a higher attaining pupil?
We use the term higher attaining pupils to refer to children who are working above the nationally expected outcomes for their age in one or more areas of the curriculum or displaying a particular ability in a specific area.
Higher attaining pupils may display characteristics such as:
- Intently focused
- Asks insightful questions and has a curiosity
- Imaginative, providing creative and original solutions
- Rapid learner
- Learns a new skill easily and readily
- Shows initiative
- Able to apply their learning to other areas and solve problems
However, all children are unique individuals and this list is not exhaustive, nor does it mean a child is necessarily higher attaining if they display some of these features.
How do we identify higher attaining pupils?
Methods of identifying higher attaining pupils are varied. We recognise that using only one method may be insufficient therefore we gather as much information about individual pupils as possible. These may include:
- Teacher assessment
- Observation and assessment
- Data tracking and formal assessment
- Consulting with professionals such as Sports Coaches
- Parent information
- Through curriculum opportunities eg open-ended tasks, problem solving, creative challenges
How do we provide for higher attaining pupils in the classroom?
All of our pupils are expected to ‘be the best version of themselves’. There is an ethos that we can and we will achieve and exceed expectations.
Our teaching:
- Establishes what pupils can already do or have already done so that we are building upon previous learning;
- Encourages children to use a variety of stimuli, ideas and resources;
- Fosters a climate of problem solving, debate and risk taking;
- Provides a challenging learning environment which allows pupils to question and access higher order thinking skills;
- Promotes and celebrates creativity and original thinking;
- Encourages children to challenge themselves and discuss their own learning
