Sparks

Sparks Lead: Mrs A Hallissey – Library Manager, EPQ Co-ordinator, More able Co-ordinator and Pioneer Reading Improvement Partner.

At Desborough College we aim for all our pupils to achieve their highest potential. The purpose of our Desborough Sparks provision is to raise aspirations and offer enrichment opportunities for our most able and motivated students to challenge themselves whilst cultivating a resilient and positive work ethic as future leaders.

Curriculum Maps for KS3 - 5
Sparks Journey. See attached document

Identification of Most Able Learners

Identification of Most Able Learners

Advanced Learners are identified in various ways:

Using previous high achievement at primary school, CAT test scores and teacher generated data.
Our Curriculum Leaders and Raising Achievement Leaders can nominate pupils using agreed criteria.
There is also an opportunity for students who display excellence in four or more of their subjects to be added to the More Able register.
Self-nomination is also possible, and we invite motivated and aspirational students to apply.

The list of Desborough Sparks is reviewed annually.

Challenge in Lessons

We follow quality first teaching and teaching to the top to benefit all our students. Classroom teachers are made aware of our Desborough Sparks.
Support, mentoring and opportunities are provided to further advance student learning.
Challenge and extension is built into each topic across all subjects and year groups.

Extracurricular and super-curricular challenge

The aim of these activities is to foster a love of learning and knowledge outside the classroom and include our widening horizons programme.

Calling on a broad network of resources, activities currently include:

Visits and guest speakers
Rich and extended discourse, projects and competitions.
The Advanced Reading Portfolio, which encourages students to read widely;
All subjects offer enrichment opportunities for Desborough Sparks

We are members of the National Association for Able Children in Education https://www.nace.co.uk/

“A huge thank you to all those involved in making the Inspire lecture series happen and for such a brilliant end to it all yesterday… Words cannot express what a huge amount *** got out of the day- so inspiring and such an amazing confidence boost too! Thank you so much for this opportunity!” Parent

“*** really enjoyed the Oxford Inspire program. He has learnt so much, gained his knowledge as well as confidence. He made himself proud by winning a couple of awards too.” Parent

St John’s Oxford Inspire Programme: “It was quite challenging but still fun to do." Pupil

Sparks

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