Gifted and Talented
At Dauntsey's we aim to challenge all pupils by fostering intellectual curiosity through academic enrichment, independent learning and a complementary curriculum.
Our brightest pupils benefit from a wide-ranging and challenging Gifted and Talented programme which aims to:
- Promote the identification of gifted and talented pupils.
- Ensure all gifted and talented pupils achieve their full potential.
- Give gifted and talented pupils access to work and experiences at the higher cognitive levels in order to stimulate interest and develop advanced thinking skills.
- Provide a rich, challenging and differentiated curriculum in which gifted and talented pupils can thrive.
- Give opportunities in all curriculum areas to develop advanced skills, talents and creativity.
- Create an ethos where pupils can have and achieve the highest aspirations.
With an emphasis on independent learning, supported by extension work and enrichment through clubs and academic societies, the Gifted and Talented Co-ordinator and his team of staff provide a range of activities for academic stretch and challenge some of which are listed below.
The Junior Scholars' Society
This first, second and third form group meets regularly on Friday mornings. Discussions are led by a member of staff on a topic of their choice, that lies outside the usual curriculum material, such as chaos theory or the political state of Zimbabwe.
Critical Thinking
A short course on critical thinking is offered to all members of the 5th form, with a very positive spin off for the more able pupils.
Monday Lunch Club
This L6th and U6th group meet for a working lunch each Monday between March and December. Membership is determined by two criteria; academic excellence and academic ambition. Each week different themes and ideas are explored using a pre-circulated article as a base for dicussion.
Open University Module Scheme
The Open University offer a programme of study via their YASS Scheme (Young Applicants in Schools and Colleges Scheme). It gives pupils an opportunity to study subjects such as Psychology, Astronomy, Archaeology and 'Understanding Society' which may enhance their A-levels studies or give them a taste of a potential degree subject.
The Head Master's Essay Society
This is a selected group of Upper Sixth pupils who are each asked to give a presentation to their peers on a subject of their choosing. The Society provides a forum for twelve of the School's brightest senior pupils to thrive intellectually. Many members run a session a week with the Junior Scholars' Society, presenting a shortened form of their papers for discussion. The Essay Society's programme is also enhanced by workshops with visiting academics, including some from the Mercers' Lectures.
Mercers' Lectures
A visiting lecturer holds workshops with the Sixth Form in the afternoon, followed by a lecture to the wider school community in the evening. Past eminent speakers include the Poet Laureate, Lord Butler and General Sir Mike Jackson. This year's programme is busier than ever, with some extremely sought-after speakers. Click here to view Mercers' Lecture Programme 2010 - 2011.
Debating and Sceptics' Societies
With both Lower School and Senior Debating societies along with the Upper School Sceptics' society there are plenty of opportunities for all pupils to engange in lively, informed debates which challenge their own ideas and preconceptions.