At QCPS we celebrate that all our pupils are different and unique, with diverse learning needs. We ensure that learning is personalised to meet the needs of all our girls as individuals; including those who need greater academic extension and stretching, as well as those who need extra support. Our Learning Enhancement team comprises of our Assistant Head (Inclusion), Mrs Habanananda and our Head of Able, Gifted & Talented, Mrs Moore.
On entry to QCPS, all pupils are assessed and any concerns or strengths are highlighted. An individualised programme of learning enhancement will be offered, following an interview with the Headmistress. Pupils obviously develop at different stages of their school career and all girls are monitored and regularly assessed (informally and formally). This ongoing assessment allows us to identify any pupil who needs a learning enhancement programme at any point in her time at QCPS. This might be delivered by her class teachers, by the Assistant Head (Inclusion) or by the Head of Able, Gifted and Talented.
To view our SEND and EAL policy, please visit the policies page.
At QCPS, we use a range of strategies to identify more able, gifted and talented children. The identification process is ongoing and begins when the child joins our school. More able children are those who have one or more abilities developed to a level significantly ahead of their year group (or with the potential to develop these abilities). Gifted children have a great thirst for knowledge and this need should be recognised as early as possible and their talents developed. Talented pupils are those who have specific skills or vocations in particular areas, both within and beyond the taught curriculum. These pupils need specific nurturing if their talents are to fully develop. Provision will typically be made for those children within the normal class teaching, including enrichment or extension activities to promote their skills and talents still further, but it may be appropriate to provide an additional learning enhancement programme in some cases. For more information please view our More Able Pupils’ policy.
In line with the current SEND Code of Practice (2014), the Learning Enhancement department works in partnership with staff, parents and pupils to provide individualised learning plans that follow the graduated approach of 'assess, plan, do, review'. Learning is revised and revisited, leading to a growth in understanding of the girls’ individual needs.
We look for ways to create fun and inspiring activities, using a multisensory approach, which provides pupils with skills they can transfer into their everyday classwork.
In partnership with the parents, if a pupil is not making the expected progress after intensive support, we may refer parents to seek external advice from trusted professionals, such as:
External reports will then offer additional support and ideas on how to best support their daughter, after which, an Individual Education Plan will be put in place with SMART targets and close, regular communication with parents and pupils.
Engaging the girls at this level of progress analysis allows them to understand how their needs change and, more importantly, how their hard work and commitment will make a positive impact on their education and progress.
