Gifted and talented case studies

Meeting the needs of gifted learners at 14-19. Using online video to develop Personal, Learning and Thinking skills
A simple but effective framework of activities has been developed by a group of teachers using activities which engage learners and develop Personal, Learning and Thinking Skills. These activities are designed to be used with online music videos which also aim to provide an engaging context for the learners in addition to being authentic material.

New Technologies for a new generation of teachers and learners
Using new technologies, and in particular the development of a blog, All Saints Specialist Language College, York aims to keep the attention and interest of more able learners at Key Stage 4. In particular, using ICT and web based materials allows the teacher to take the role of facilitator on many occasions as the pupils adopt a more independent approach to learning; a style which is understood to match the needs of many more able learners.

Assessment for Learning in Spanish GCSE 
To use assessment for learning to make more able students aware of how to attain the highest grades in GCSE speaking.

Personalised learning using a virtual learning environment (VLE) for peer assessment 
It is important to recognise that peer assessment is a skill that needs to be taught to students. Many more able students lack the confidence needed to peer assess, possibly due to advanced cognitive skills but a mixed classroom environment which sometimes is not conducive for high achievers.

Dual language option for Gifted and Talented
Uptake at GCSE has increased to 66% of students choosing one language at Key Stage 4 with 25% of the year group studying two. In 2008, 100% of students achieved A*-C in French and 97% did so in German with 78% being awarded A or A* in both languages.

Differentiation in GCSE languages 
To provide differentiated activities in GCSE French and Spanish to cater for students of varying levels of ability. This is part of a much wider strategy to ensure that all students can access the languages curriculum at their own level.

Fast track GCSE at Wyvern Technology College 
The aim is to give the students an enjoyable and rewarding challenge of doing a GCSE early. The topics are accessible to students in Years 8 and 9 age and arguably even more appropriate than for those in Years 10 and 11.

Mandarin as part of an enrichment programme
Enriching the curriculum for gifted and talented learners allows them to experience a wider variety of langauge and exposes them to new areas which can in turn spark their imagination and interest. In 2009, four learners achieved their ABC Award in Speaking and Listening in Mandarin. These were some of the first students at secondary school in the Bournemouth area to achieve a qualification in Mandarin.

Differentiation case studies

Differentiation through offering European Studies
ES is taught mainly in English but with a French bias (eg Euros and numbers taught in French), thus reinforcing and extending students’ French capability. Teaching in English allows you to engage in discussion and debate that would not otherwise be possible in target language, this provides links to literacy and PSHCCE. Students are encouraged to share their own experience of European travel, this links with citizenship.

Creativity case studies

The use of animation to promote creativity and motivation for Year 9 students
The animation project was piloted with two year nine language groups. The objective was to improve participation and motivation in languages with two set two year nine classes and to encourage creativity.

Target Language case studies

Encouraging spontaneous talk through 100% target language 
'I was a bit cynical about 100% target language but now I’m not. You get a huge amount of satisfaction…I was corrected by a student in German! It will help them with high frequency words, little incidental things, verbs, they can explain themselves in German. My Year 7 teaching has improved hugely: 100% more effective than last year.' Teacher recently trained to deliver 100% target language teaching

Using target language and realistic contexts with beginner students of Spanish for Air Cabin Crew
Once they begin, the students rarely drop out as a strong importance is placed on their language learning. The Spanish course is funded using enrichment funding. Although the students are non-specialist language learners, the whole course is delivered via the target language using activities relevant to the vocational context.