Sixty-five pupils from Catholic primary schools in Harrogate, Knaresborough, Wetherby, Bishop Thornton and Tadcaster are taking part in a new Young Gifted and Talented scheme at St John Fisher Catholic High School in Harrogate.
The initiative was launched in January specifically to support the academic needs of Year 5 and 6 children identified as gifted and talented by Head Teachers of the primaries. The 10-week, after-school courses are tutored by St John Fisher’s heads of departments and subject specialists.
The primary school children have been enjoying a series of workshops include English, Maths, Science and Art. With workshops full across the board, St John Fisher is already planning a summer programme that includes additional subjects such as French, web design, PE,dance, singing, brass and music composition. Courses cost around £4/child per session.
Darren Roberts, who is coordinating the courses, said:
We have extended the number of subjects in the summer programme, so that more ‘more able’ Year 5 and 6 pupils for more schools can benefit. We are working closely with all school G&T Coordinators at local primaries to identify those most suitable and some of the summer workshops are already full!
St John Fisher Headteacher Paul Jackson, a maths specialist who is tutoring one of the mathematics groups, explains:
Providing specialist tuition to support our colleagues in associated primaries ensures that the primary curriculum meets the needs of all learners. Children who have been identified as gifted and talented often enjoy being stretched academically, but primary schools are not always able to provide resources in specialist subjects. We are piloting the scheme with our associated primaries, but may open up places to other schools in the future.
For more details, contact Darren Roberts on 01423 818451 or droberts@sjfchs.org.uk
