Gifted and Talented Programme

Selected pupils from each year group are offered the opportunity to join the Academic Gifted and Talented Programme. These pupils will have demonstrated high levels of skill in a range of disciplines and made a noteworthy contribution to the school through their demonstrated achievements.

This programme encourages pupils to capitalise on their academic passions, to engage beyond the curriculum and use them to serve the wider school community.

– A completed application form and essay on why you want to join the Gifted and Talented Programme and your academic interest area

– Have outstanding grades that demonstrate applied ability

– CAT4 (or other benchmarking testing) results

– A portfolio of any achievements and awards won

– Interview

– Mentorship in their predetermined area of academic study

– Opportunities for academic enrichment and challenge beyond the curriculum i.e. trips, specialist talks, access to resources, discussion groups

– One 60-minute session per week focused on either subject, mentorship or higher education mentorship

– Opportunities for support and co-ordination of entry to competitions, Olympiads and other opportunities for the raising of their academic profile

– Attend all Gifted and Talented classes, workshops and trips

– Make consistent progress in their scholastic work across all subjects 

– to maintain academic excellence in accordance with the standards of their curriculum and the college

– To be a model for the high standards of the college in all areas i.e. uniform, behaviour and punctuality

– Take an active leadership role within their discipline, including being a mentor to younger pupils

– To take part in competitions, Olympiads and awards, to demonstrate ability

– Study IGCSE/ A-Level in their chosen discipline (Year 10-13)

A Visual Art Gifted and Talented pupil will be expected to demonstrate high level skills in the context of their chosen area(s) of Visual Arts. They will need to prove their development and exploration of ideas demonstrating a high level of creativity, independent thought, visual expression and imagination and a range of experimentation with different media, techniques and processes. A Visual Art Gifted and Talented Pupil will be expected to play an active and positive leading role amongst Art pupils.

– A completed Application Form and Application Essay including your area of interest

– Demonstrated high level of Visual Art accomplishments

– Scholastic record of good progress in all subjects and excellence in Visual Art

– A Portfolio of artwork and any awards and accomplishments

– Interview

– Mentorship in their predetermined area of study

– Opportunities for enrichment and challenge beyond the curriculum i.e. trips, specialist talks, access to resources, discussion groups

– One 60-minute session per week focused on either subject, mentorship or higher education mentorship

– Opportunities for support and coordination of entry to competitions and other opportunities for the raising of their academic profile

– To develop own practice and attend all Gifted and Talented sessions provided

– To lead/support an Art SA and take an active leadership role in promoting Visual Arts in school

– To help to develop Art displays for the Primary and Senior Schools

– To be a model for the high standards of the college in all areas i.e. uniform, behaviour and punctuality

– To support the running of Exhibitions and Community Art Events

– To study Art as an academic subject from IGCSE/ A- Level (Year 10-13)

A Music Gifted and Talented pupil will demonstrate a genuine interest and passion for music. They should be performing at Grade 5 (or equivalent) level in their main instrument and will be expected to demonstrate aural skills, sight-reading and general musicianship.

Gifted and Talented pupils will be expected to play an active and positive leading role amongst Music pupils throughout their time at Wellington, taking part in a variety of ensembles and supporting concerts and productions.

– A completed Application Form and Application Essay including your area of interest

– Grade 5 or higher ABRSM or equivalent

– Scholastic record of good progress in all subjects and proven excellence in Music

– A Portfolio of work or accomplishments, including recordings of work

– Audition in front of the Music Panel. Two contrasting solo pieces of no more than 5 minutes each

– Sight reading

– Interview

– Mentorship in their predetermined area of study

– Opportunities for enrichment and challenge beyond the curriculum i.e. trips, specialist talks, access to

resources, discussion groups

– One 60-minute session per week focused on either subject, mentorship or higher education mentorship

– Opportunities for support and coordination of entry to competitions and other opportunities for the raising of their academic profile

– Attend all designated Gifted and Talented sessions

– Make consistent progress in their instrument through regular attendance at music lessons and with regular practice

– Take an active leadership role in ensembles that are suitable for their instrument

– To be a model for the high standards of the college in all areas i.e. uniform, behaviour and punctuality

– To attend and help run music events

– Study Music as an academic subject from IGCSE/ A- Level (Year 10-13)

A Drama Gifted and Talented pupil must have a proven track record of academic and performance Drama. They must have deep rooted enthusiasm for theatre and should act as positive role models in behaviour and commitment. Drama Gifted and Talented pupils will be expected to play an integral role in aspects of College Drama and be fully committed to the annual suite of performances and productions.

– A completed Application Form and Application Essay including your area of interest

– A Portfolio of work or accomplishments. Showreel or photos for Drama. Any grades or awards

– Audition in front of the Drama panel

– Interview

– Mentorship in their predetermined area of study

– Opportunities for enrichment and challenge beyond the curriculum i.e. trips, specialist talks, access to resources, discussion groups

– One 60-minute session per week focused on either subject, mentorship or higher education mentorship

– Opportunities for support and coordination of entry to competitions and other opportunities for the raising of their academic profile

– Attend all designated Gifted and Talented Drama sessions Participate fully in College productions

– To be a model for the high standards of the college in all areas i.e. uniform, behaviour and punctuality

– Assist the performing arts team in the promotion of performing arts around the College and encourage other pupils to participate in and support events

– Study Drama as an academic subject from IGCSE/ A- Level (Year 10-13)

A Sport Gifted and Talented pupil will demonstrate exceptional talent or potential in at least one sport in which they should make a significant contribution to School life. This is not an 'all-rounder' award but an award for excellence in a particular sport with a possibility to progress further and potentially to University.

– A completed Application Form and Application Essay including your area of interest

– Significant sporting ability in one or more sports

– Recent success in competitions and sporting achievements

– Interview.

– Mentorship in their predetermined area of study

– Opportunities for enrichment and challenge beyond the curriculum i.e. trips, specialist talks, access to resources, discussion groups

– One 60-minute session per week focused on either subject, mentorship or higher education mentorship

– Opportunities for support and coordination of entry to competitions and other opportunities for the raising of their academic profile

– Attend all designated Gifted and Talented Sport sessions and Strength and Conditioning sessions.

– Participate fully in college sporting events (in relation to their designated sport) and act as a positive role model in behaviour and commitment

– To attend sporting events at the college and those given by visiting athletes

– To help with coaching and mentoring of younger athletes

– To be a model for the high standards of the college in all areas i.e. uniform, behaviour and punctuality

– Prioritise being in school teams to support the development and performance of sport at Wellington

– Study PE as an academic subject from IGCSE (Year 10-11)