Through personalised learning, the Department for Children, Schools and Families (DCSF) wants all children and young people to be supported and challenged within their schools and colleges to reach their capacity, including those who are gifted and talented (DCSF, 2005. Higher Standards: Better Schools for All. White Paper).
There are no standard definitions of the terms 'gifted' and 'talented'. The UK government defines gifted and talented learners as:
'Children and young people with one or more abilities developed to a level significantly ahead of their year group (or with the potential to develop those abilities).'
In addition gifted and talented pupils are often distinguished in the following way:
- Gifted describes learners who have the ability to excel academically in one or more subjects such as English, maths, science;
- Talented describes learners who have the ability to excel in practical skills such as sport, leadership, artistic performance, or in an area of vocational skill.
The materials within this resource area are arranged into:
1. Guidance documents and toolkits
2. Research reports and publications
3. Policy documents
4. Links to further websites
Within these four categories the materials are arranged according to the following three themes: Identification, Teaching and Learning, and Leadership and Management.