[senco-forum] [SENco-forum] G and T

of course we all have talents, just as we all have some level of IQ and
originally the identification of higher IQ was just an extension up from the
task of identifying all children with any AEN.

 Not sure why 10% was the chosen cut off point when it is around top 25%
that are able to access Grammar schools (in some areas) in order to support
their academic leanings - hardly equitable.

'Talented' brings balance and picks up those who excel outside of academic
circles.

What is questionable is if we should be focussing on one area at all when
everything else in the system is working towards a holistic overview.

I have G&T children with SEN. I have had to spend all my time supporting
their right to an education, that they have not been able to access easily
due to their SEN.  There has never been time to nurture their 'talents' with
additional sport, music, drama or dance coaching or extension activities due
to their 'giftedness in Science or English.  They have gained nothing in
school from being on the G&T register either.

However, having watched the child genius programme on Channel 4 they are
extremely grateful that we did not have time to indulge them, or ourselves,
in providing ridiculous amounts of extra curricula activities or coaching.
In consequence they are well balanced/well-rounded and quite unlike the
other family of 4 that  belong to MENSA.

Children with high IQ need to be identified, as it is a SEN/AEN issue that
if left unsupported may lead to boredom and frustration. Those with talents,
including ones outside of school, need to be encouraged and celebrated
within school, but neither areas should be pandered to to the exclusion of
all else, as such a lack of balance cannot be healthy.

Sharon

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