In response to the many requests for extra funding to support provision for Gifted and Talented pupils we would like to offer Cluster Groups the opportunity to submit proposals for start up funding for specific G&T transition activities. There is only a limited amount of funding available, approximately £1500 per cluster, hence the focus on transition.

If you are interested in applying for this funding please consult the guidance below and inform us of your G&T leading teacher / coordinator. Proposals need to be returned to us by Wednesday 1 April 2009.

If you have any queries please contact Sandra Howard by telephone 01603 433276 or by email.

Guidance for Gifted and Talented Out of School Hours Funding For Transition 2009

The purpose of the activity is to ensure that gifted and talented students receive enrichment and extension of their curriculum whilst experiencing it in a way that will help them to enjoy and appreciate their studies. Best practice will also take into account the personal, social and emotional needs of the students.

Successful activities will ensure that the content is firmly curriculum focused and that it includes both opportunities for 'enrichment,' i.e. broadening the curriculum out to areas and topics that students would perhaps not always have the opportunity to study; whilst also offering them the scope for 'extension,' i.e. accessing their work and activities at a higher level of complexity than would normally be expected for students of their age.

Best practice ensures that there are clear targets set for each session, that the students know in advance what these targets are and that they have the opportunity to evaluate whether they have achieved the targets or not. Particularly popular with both students and parents is the use of a reflective diary which students can complete recording their progress and evaluating how they could improve on it further.

Clusters may consider releasing their Gifted and Talented Leading Teacher/s during the first part of the summer term to visit local primaries and see nominated students working. This not only ensures the success of the identification process, but also builds very valuable links and establishes procedures for ensuring the smooth transition of gifted and talented pupils.

Besides the recruited pupils from the transition age group schools may make places available to outstanding students of significantly younger ages. These pupils appreciate the opportunity to work with older students.

Criteria for Proposal

The proposed activity must be:

	Additional to opportunities provided by individual schools as enrichment;
	A series of sessions rather than single activities which cannot be followed up through the curriculum E.g. Master classes, study skills, thinking skills, Philosophy 4 Children;
	Support students at the point of 'transition' i.e. Key Stage 1 to 2 and Key Stage 2 to 3. At least ½ of the students attending the activity must fall into this category. Other students can be from years 4 - 11;
	Specifically for pupils on the gifted and talented register as reported on the School Census return;
	Complementary to those offered to members of Young, Gifted and Talented and Excellence East; and
	Must take place outside of normal school hours and/or be at least 2.5 days of school holiday provision.

Evaluation

Proposals should include methods of evaluating the impact of the activities, including quantitative and qualitative data, pupil evaluations pre and post activity. Cluster proposals are evaluated using criteria which will ensure:

a)	Each activity will offer a high quality of proposed teaching and learning activities;
b)	There will be a broad spread of subjects and types of activities represented across the county;
c)	Previous recipients of Summer School funding will be taken into account so that expertise with gifted and talented students can be extended as broadly as possible around the county.

Brief summaries of the activities and reflections on their impact will be posted on the Norfolk Gifted and Talented website as a method of sharing 'What Works Well'.