Talent Lincolnshire
Pathways to Excellence
This strategy, to support the development of talent in
Lincolnshire, seeks to enable children and young people to aspire
to be their best.
This document should be read in conjunction with Lincolnshire’s
‘Gifted and Talented Strategy for Supporting Gifted and Talented
Pupils Incorporating Policy and Guidance for Schools.’ This was
approved by Lincolnshire County Council Executive in July 2007 and
has been adopted by schools.
Lincolnshire has embraced the National Strategies initiative on
the development of the ‘Gifted’ part of the Gifted and Talented
agenda and the response from schools has been encouraging. The
County Council is however aware of a lack of cohesion in response
to meeting the needs of talented children and young people, which
also reflects the National picture. The development of a
countywide structure to identify, nurture and support talent
development has been challenging but we are now in a position to
move forward on this.
Definitions
Currently the DCSF defines talented
learners as “those who have particular abilities in Sport,
Music, Design or Creative and Performing Arts. It includes
those who are vocationally gifted.” Other skills such as
leadership, decision making and critical/creative thinking are
taken into account when identifying gifted and talented
learners.
Talent Lincolnshire
In order to identify, nurture and develop
talent in the Arts, Music and PE/Sport from Key Stage 1 onwards the
SIS is developing Talent Lincolnshire on behalf of the County
Council.
Principles
Talent Lincolnshire will provide a coherent
progressive pyramidal structure for three areas of work: The Arts,
Music and PE/Sport. Each area will identify appropriate provision
at each level:
- A menu of enhanced universal opportunities at
the base of the pyramid;
- There will be a range of Enrichment/Extended
provision then;
- Specialist opportunities provided through
excellence centres and talent hubs based on utilising existing
strengths and expertise of specialist schools and District Council
resources. Children and young people who are identified through
extended provision at school based level or through self-selection
will have the opportunity to attend these;
- Those with outstanding talent will go on to
participate in Talent Lincolnshire in their talent area.
- Each talent area will also link in to
regional and national initiatives.
Purpose
This will be a nurturing framework, which will
enhance the enjoyment of all our children and young people. It will
provide progressive talent pathways with centres throughout the
county to allow children and young people to develop to their
capabilities. A comprehensive talent identification system
will allow them to be recognised, supported and their achievements
celebrated. Greater participation will lead to greater enjoyment
and raised self-esteem, which will in turn impact on achievement.
It will also support all schools in complying with the requirement
to have extended provision in place by 2010.
Outcomes
- Increased participation at school level.