High Ability Pupil Programme

At Handcross we believe it is vital that all pupils are encouraged to reach their full potential.  To this end we are very aware of setting challenges for our more able pupils both inside and outside of the classroom.

Any pupil who has been identified by staff as achieving beyond the expected level academically is included within our High Ability Pupil register and their progress monitored.  Having been identified work within the classroom will be differentiated to meet their needs.  This may, for example, be by outcome (e.g. a higher level of writing will be expected) or by task (a more challenging set of questions given).  On occasion they may also be asked to take part in additional activities working with other able pupils within the school.  This may take the form of workshops designed to encourage more creative, higher order thinking skills.

Pupils may also get the opportunity to work with children from other schools.  In recent months some Year 8 have been attending the Maths Masterclasses run by Brighton University and we take part annually in a French Public Speaking Competition  held at Lancing College. 

It is also worth noting that the Common Entrance Examination that most of our pupils work towards is a very challenging syllabus and well beyond the level of the National Curriculum.  Our most able pupils also sit academic scholarships to a wide variety of schools (e.g. Brighton College, Eton, King’s, Roedean) and these are exceptionally difficult papers which would challenge even the brightest of minds.  Additional scholarship sessions are organized in Year 8 to help prepare pupils for these exams. 

There are a wealth of opportunities available here at Handcross and we would encourage any able pupil to broaden their minds by taking part in the many non-academic activities available to them.  Orchestra, chess club and cricket will all help to ensure that even the brightest of minds is kept active and interested.