What is the Stretch programme and how is it different from G&T?

Gifted & Talented refers to individual students’ gifts and talents in individual subjects. Gifted describes learners who have the ability to excel academically in one or more subjects such as English, drama, technology; Talented describes learners who have the ability to excel in practical skills such as sport, leadership, artistic performance, or in an applied skill.

Gifted & Talented Register - Gifted and talented learners are defined those who have one or more abilities developed to a level significantly ahead of their year group (or with the potential to develop those abilities).

The Stretch programme was launched in September 2008. Its core purpose is to ensure that the most academically able students achieve their full potential, i.e. As and A*s at GCSE and A level.

Stretch – the most academically able learners in each year group. STRETCH is about “the whole picture.”

What is provided for the gifted, talented and Stretch students?

In the first instance the Faculty or Department are responsible for ensuring that the gifted, talented and most able students are stretched and challenged. They will do this by providing tailor-made activities that are at a higher conceptual level.

Then there are various cross-curricular, enrichment and mentoring projects for each year-group. These include:

• Visits to either Oxford (Christchurch) or Cambridge (Jesus, Gonville and Caius) Universities, in January/February 2012
• Masterclasses/lectures in various subjects hosted by local universities (Westminster, SOAS, Imperial)
• GCSE workshops in half-term holidays-University College London
• Guest speakers
• Debates
• AS History of Art for Stretch students currently in Y12
• AS Philosophy for Stretch students currently in Y13
• Summer schools, in particular Westminster Public School for one week after last GCSE exam
• GCSE History in Years 10 & 11 for Stretch students
• Writers and artists in residence
• Quiz Bowl at The American School
• The Jack Petchey Award for public speaking
• Participation in the initiatives run by The Social Mobility Foundation designed to widen access to Russell Group universities
• Special links with the LSE and Westminster University
• HEAPs/TeachFirst mentoring and guidance for Sixth Formers applying to top universities
• YELP/TeachFirst/Bank of America free mentoring and tuition to A level students
• Guru lectures across a range of subjects
• Access HE free e-mentoring to GCSE students in Y11 to improve their chances of going to university

For further information please contact Russell Child (russellchild@qkschool.org.uk) &
Sharon Worthington (sharonworthington@qkschool.org.uk)