Gifted & Talented

Supporting gifted and talented students in Art, Music, Sport and Academic Preparation.

Many students from varying backgrounds exhibit astonishing gifts and talents. At Strode College, we are committed to supporting those with gifts and talents in all fields but particularly in the areas of music, in sport through the Sporting Academies and in academic preparation for competitive university entrance.

Gifted and talented individuals are defined by the UK government as those with “…one or more abilities developed to a level significantly ahead of their year group (or with the potential to develop these abilities).” ‘Gifted’ generally refers to the top 5% of the school population in academic subjects and ‘talented’ to the top 5% in other subjects.

 

Music

Students who are enrolled on music courses may be eligible for weekly music tuition. This may take the form of one to one, pair or small group arrangements and include instrument or vocal tuition. Students may use this tuition to further their study in an existing area or take the opportunity to try something new.

All Students:
If students play an instrument already they are very welcome to join and participate in formal and informal ensembles. There may also be opportunities to become part of the orchestra accompanying College shows and join lunchtime concert programmes. One to one music tuition can also be added to your learning programme (charges apply).

Students who are talented vocally will be very welcome in the College Choir and in events where they can accompany other musicians. One to one music tuition can also be added to your learning programme (charges apply).

 

Academic Development

In September 2007 the Gifted and Talented Support programme was introduced following the success of the virtual academy which had operated for several years. The support programme is co-ordinated by a specialist member of staff who organises a number of activities, including:

  • Regular workshop sessions with specialist tutors;
  • Guidance on interview performance;
  • Specialist test preparation for university entrance to medicine, veterinary science and other competitive degrees;
  • Profile-building activities such as Debating Club and Book Club
  • Opportunities to work with nationally and internationally recognised tutors;
  • Attendance at Oxford and Cambridge open days;
  • Attendance at specialist seminars at regional universities and schools.

Many students have successfully obtained places at the most prestigious universities including Oxford and Cambridge. They rate the programme highly:

  • “The careers team helped me re-write my UCAS application and statement to achieve my goals.” (Helen Deakin, UCL Medical School)
  • “Studying at Strode helped me prepare for university life… to develop skills such as balancing my workload with extra curricular activities.” (Maxine House, Oxford University)
  • “The level of independence we were given…. (taught) us to start taking responsibility for our own learning.” (Jennifer Spencer, Oxford University)
  • “Strode helped me prepare for the mentality of university life when it comes to the right approach to learning.” (James Barrowman, Peninsula Medical School)
  • “The teacher stretched us beyond the syllabus… taught us at a faster pace… useful for preparing me for the faster pace of university work.” (Lucy Masters, Cambridge University)