More Able Students

Our aim is for every student to be inspired and supported to be the best that they can be.

Using a personalised Pathway X curriculum, and high quality teaching as well as Excellence Club and other extra curricular activities, we aim to ensure that students are given every opportunity to be successful.

We believe in the principle that any student who excels in any given subject should be regarded as more able within that subject area regardless of their prior data or how they perform in any other subject.

We will, therefore, identify more able students (MAS) based on two strands:

  1. The first strand will be more able students identified based on their prior data in English and Maths. Students identified as level 5 in English will be more able in English, similarly in Maths. For foundation subjects, students with an average level 5 (between Maths and English) will be regarded as more able in those subjects. In the case that a student does not have prior data, then the baseline test in English and Maths will determine their status.
  2. The second strand of identifying more able students will be those who excel within any subject regardless of their prior data (below level 5). It is the prerogative of the subject teacher to determine which students are more able based on a series of rigorous formative and summative assessments.

In The Classroom

The Excelsior Academy is committed to raising the achievement and attainment of all students. Research shows that where the highest expectations are made of more able students, learning and achievement for all students improves. All students, including the most able, have a right to an appropriate and challenging education. Like all our students, our most able students have individual needs.

We recognise the needs of the individual and the importance of providing a personalised curriculum. As teachers, we recognise that many of our students are more able and we endeavour to foster and extend their abilities to their maximum potential.

We believe that the most effective way to develop more able students is through excellent teaching and learning. We are committed to ensuring that more able students are continually challenged in their learning, meet demanding curriculum targets, and achieve the highest grades in public examinations. One of the effective ways this is achieved is through our streamlined classes where stretching and challenging students is at the forefront of our teaching. As a result, our MAS students have more opportunities for ‘Shed Loads of Practice’ (SLOP). We expect students who are identified as more able in particular subjects to excel in those areas of learning within and beyond the boundaries of The Excelsior Academy through extra-curricular activities.

Outside The Classroom

It is vital for our students to enjoy a full and rounded education and this means encouraging them to take part in the many clubs and extra-curricular opportunities on offer to explore and develop their talents. For example, talented musicians are able to have additional music lessons and take part in our concerts, performing in bands or one of the many other groups that practice regularly and perform together in school. The drama department offers many opportunities for both writing and performing in plays and musicals and our able sports students can compete in a whole range of sports. 

What Do We Expect For Our Most Able Students?

We expect our most able students to make outstanding progress, to study the EBACC and their choice of creative subjects, and to achieve Grade 8/9 (historically A/A*) in as many subjects as possible so that they can progress to success in their choice of A levels in 6th Form and have access to the top Russell Group universities.

Assessment, Tracking and Targeting

Close attention is paid to the progress of our most able students. Frequent assessments are differentiated and a range of intervention measures are put in place when underachievement is measured, which can be monitored by students and parents on the DPR in ‘real time’.

As a Parent/Carer, What can I do To support My Child?

There are many practical steps that you can take to support and nurture your child, for example by encouraging him/her to:

  • utilise the local library and the internet as learning and research resources
  • visit museums, science centres, nature reserves, and art galleries
  • watch educational and current affairs programmes such as the news, wildlife/nature programmes, and documentaries, and discuss them
  • read a quality national newspaper
  • discuss and debate topics, such as politics, the environment, and the media
  • discuss homework and schoolwork via the DPR
  • encourage your child to attend Excellence Club in English, maths, or science
  • take part in extra-curricular activities
  • take an active part in family decision-making
  • listen to different types of music
  • read for pleasure, including demanding/challenging books
  • take regular physical exercise
  • socialise and relax in between work and learn to ‘switch off’.

You can also support your child by:

  • providing suitable learning resources such as books, encyclopedias, magazines, computer software etc.
  • organising day trips and visits to places of cultural, historical, and educational interest
  • building cultural experiences, trips, and excursions into family holidays.

Who Should Parents/Carers Contact In School?

The following key personnel should be contacted:

Henry Winters - MAS Lead: henry.winters@excelsiorcst.org