Endeavour Programme
Introduction
Identification
More able students are defined as “those students who are achieving, or have the potential to achieve, at a level significantly beyond that of their peer groups within a specific area of the curriculum’.
These students are initially identified through the data provided by our feeder schools. In addition, we recognise that some students may make significant progress from Key Stage Three onwards. As such, students who have exceptionally high Present Predicted Grades (PPGs) but who do not fall within the above definition will also be considered.
From this criteria we then ask the professional opinion of our subject specialist to help us identify the 10 students in each year group for the Endeavour Programme.
Please note – due to the lack of KS2 data for Year 8 we are instead relying on PPG only. Identification for year 7 students happens in the Spring Term.
Curriculum provision
All members of teaching staff are fully aware which students are involved in the Endeavour Programme. More able students are challenged and stretched during lessons through the use of bespoke differentiated resources and learning activities.
Subject teachers will also identify any particular learning needs which individual more able students may have, providing additional one-to-one support when required.
Where a student has received any additional support, parents and carers will always be kept informed.
Enrichment
Beyond their classroom learning, the Endeavour Programme seeks to provide a range of enrichment opportunities for more able students. Many of these are linked directly to curriculum areas, although others may be more generic.
The types of opportunities may include: trips and visits, outside speakers visiting College, involvement in regional and national competitions and partnerships with other schools or universities, companies and businesses.
Beyond this there are also specific events and visits targeting certain groups of more able students. Examples may include a taster day at Birmingham University for their Master Class sessions or trips to other Russell Group Universities to explore University life and the process of application.
Monitoring
The performance of more able students is closely monitored at a number of levels. On a day-to-day basis, students are monitored by their subject teachers, who will identify areas of strength and weakness and respond accordingly with appropriate support and intervention.
Each student’s tutor also plays an important part in monitoring their attainment as well as their welfare. Tutors particularly provide support if a more able student is struggling to cope with their work or is underachieving in a number of subjects.
Beyond this level, each department has a member of staff designated to support more able students. These staff, together with year leaders, monitor all more able students in order to identify and support those at greatest risk of underachievement.
At the highest level, the Assistant Headteacher with responsibility for more able students has an overview of all students’ performance. Progress data provided by subject teachers each half term is used to identify particular successes or causes for concern amongst more able students.
In year ten and eleven, those more able students most at risk of underachievement receive one-to-one mentoring from a member of the Senior Leadership Team.
At all levels of monitoring, parents and carers will always be kept informed of any successes, causes for concern or additional support given. Parents and carers are also warmly invited to contact College and arrange a meeting to discuss their son or daughter’s progress.
Staff
Miss R Elmes
Staff LeadMiss R Elmes (REL)
Positions Held
- Teacher of English
- Teacher of PSHE
Subjects
- English (Teacher)
Mr C Aitken
SLT LeadMr C Aitken (CAI)
Positions Held
- Assistant Headteacher
- Teacher of Science
Subjects
- Science (Teacher)
