CHRISTOPHER WHITEHEAD
LANGUAGE COLLEGE AND SIXTH FORM
Higher Learning Potential
You can download a leaflet version of this by clicking the button below or you can view the High Learning Potential (HLP) policy.
Higher Learning Potential
You can download a leaflet version of this by clicking HERE and you can view the High Learning Potential (HLP) policy HERE.
At CWLC we define High Learning Potential (HLP) as those:
- Who have been identified as academically more able at school.
- Who have the potential to achieve through a wide range of abilities in academic subjects, sport, the arts and leadership.
All children, whether gifted, bright, average or below average, deserve the chance to lead happy and satisfying lives. HLP children have a great thirst for knowledge and it is vital that this need is recognised as early as possible so that parents and teachers can give them plenty of opportunities to develop their natural ability in order for their confidence and enthusiasm to flourish.
At CWLC we try to meet the needs of all of its students.
- Extensive vocabulary, early or avid reader – Typically child self-taught to read (but not all – especially dual or multiple exceptional children)
- Keen powers of observation, vivid imagination – Connects concepts in an unusual and unexpected way
- Sense of humour – May be mature beyond years, odd or inappropriate
- Compulsive communicator – If you won’t listen, they will talk to someone else
- Inability to sit still – Fidgeting, fiddling, a master of origami and tinkering
- Ability to multi-task – The sort that never looks as if they are paying attention, but then gets high marks in tests
- Poor handwriting – Classic case of the hand not being able to keep up with the brain
- Leader rather than follower – Hates to be one of the crowd – would rather be by themselves than “a sheep”
- Does well in tests but class work less impressive – Bright children tend to have excellent memories (although a poor short-term memory is a common issue)
- Questions everything – Including the teacher, awkward questions a speciality!
- Unusual hobbies or interests – May have a vast and detailed knowledge of something unexpected, or a wide range of interests
- Hates to lose or be wrong – May refuse to take part rather than risk failure
- Difficulty in making or maintaining friendships – Potential friendship group is smaller
At CWLC students with HLP are identified using Cognitive Ability Tests (CAT) on entry in year 7. These tests assess verbal, non-verbal and quantitative skills. They, along with other subject assessments, help develop a picture of individuals at CWLC. Students with a score of 120+ (100 considered the average) in all disciplines would be expected to perform at a high level in academic subjects.
- Monitoring and tracking progress of identified students, working closely with departments and subject leaders.
- Teachers differentiate tasks so there is appropriate challenge.
- Extra-curricular opportunities are offered.
- Individual mentoring will take place at key points.
- A focus on opportunities post 16.
Children develop skills at different rates. It is important that they have the opportunity to flourish confidently. Your role is to manage the stresses and pressures they face. You can support this by:
- Encouraging them to read widely.
- Developing their extra-curricular experiences.
- Providing opportunities that develop and broaden interest and strengths.
- Balance your child’s opportunities and experiences so that they can become well rounded, confident individuals.
www.potentialplusuk.org : supporting the needs of high potential learners
www.bbc.co.uk/schools/parents/gifted_and_talented/ : Gifted and Talented on BBC website
01905 423906 ext 214
OR
Email: l.helme@cwlc.email
I look forward to working with your son/daughter as they progress through their time at school.
Mr L. Helme
HLP Coordinator