gifted and talented uk

The range 115-130 is referred to in some test manuals as "superior" or "above average". Most tests have mean 100 and std dev 15, and a score of 123 is around the 94th percentile (i.e compared against a group of 100 randomly selected kids, they'd score higher than 94 of them). children with similar scores are commonly found in the top set in a comprehensive or around the average of the cohort in a good grammar school and might be expected to do pretty well at A level and get into a good uni (providing they work, receive adequate support etc.). Some sources refer to the range 115-130 or 120-130 as "mildly gifted" though that term is not in widespread use. Children in this ability range may be bored particularly in primary or in an all-ability class, but may find more appropriate challenge in secondary with specialist subject teaching and ability grouping (setting). Gifted programmes internationally tend to target provision towards those with scores over 130.

Hi, my son has recently taken the CAT4 test in his school, and I was very curious whether or not he is gifted because he has been saying his lessons are too easy, these are his results:

Verbal: 123
Quantative:117
Non-Verbal: 128
Spatial: 123

Mean: 123
Are these scores enough to consider him gifted?

You would think right. He didn't. Didn't get offers from any of super selective or even mid-upper schools he sat for. He got an offer from one mixed ability private school. His prep school were surprised. We were extremely surprised. He may try for an occasional place but unfortunately he's one of the unlucky few where CAT scores just didn't translate into 11+ success despite tutoring and lots of preparation at his school. 🤷‍♀️

@LondonMummer if your son is getting consistently above 134 in all areas and 141 in quantative then he is more than capable of getting into any of the top London super selective schools.

My son took the CAT4 level G test for A level this year. All 4 of the batteries were full, unfortunately the school refused to reveal his score to us, so we could only assume it's 141 or close to it.

No, we don't think CAT4 scores are meaningful. Maybe my son has the potential to get all the A stars at his A levels, but I doubt his casual approach toward learning will allow him to reach his full potential. He only got 8As (including some A stars) and 2Bs in the IGCSE.

Look, my son genuinely got 141 in 3 of the 4 CAT test categories and 134 in the other. I don't believe he is "gifted and talented". He's a smart boy and has potential but what he does with that is up to him. He's sitting the 11+ and I'm not sure he will get into all or even some of the super selectives he's sitting for. I see lots of mistakes in his work.

Yes, challenge your son, encourage the school to and most of all get him to realise his potential and step up to that but don't assume a CAT test score is meaningful in itself, it's just an indicator of potential

130 is top 2 percent for context so he is gifted at maths. It sounds like he’s already in the correct sets for those and doing well.

He’s high average / average in all other areas.

I’m not sure what exactly you want though. Do you think he isn’t being challenged enough in maths?

It sounds as of the sets are in line with his scores. There will be others 130+ in a top set. The school may offer Further and/or Add Maths in year 11 or other extension opportunities like the Olympiad.

There isn't gifted and talented anymore. Even when I was in school, it was really just that they were gifted and talented but wasn't any different classes or anything.
On the whole, classes teach to the average of the class. This leads to more able or gifted children getting frustrated or children falling further and further behind. They'll sometimes do smaller groups for those behind to help catch them up but for most part, not much extending or support for the more able. Tend to be told to free read or given a book to work from with no instruction. Children will move about tables and classes if consistent but still on the whole true.

I'd suggest a tutor if you want extra support, extending him to whatever his capabilities are, a tutor is probably the way to go. There's some online ones or ask locally. There won't be any success getting him special classes

As I said though it doesn't mean anything as such. They won't do different maths to anyone else just because they are on the g and t register ( don't think that is even a thing anymore tbh) . The schools will know he is good at maths and will no doubt offer statistics in year 10 and anything else available to him.

I don't know what those numbers mean but it sounds like you are super pushy . Why are you so worried about it , it doesn't mean anything in real life . It's just an in house thing at some schools .

(To put it in context you say his maths potential is "simply amazing" - my son has achieved 141 in his CATs in Years 5 and 6 and isn't getting 100% in tests. More like 80%)

In the kindest possible way his scores are very much in the average range and even maths whilst strong is not exceptional - the scale goes up to 141. CATs aren't the be all and end all so I'd focus on finding something he's passionate about rather than a focus on whether he's "gifted and talented"

I'd speak to the school if i were you? They'll advise re the maths ie if he's coping or not and what you can do to help, and also re the sciences. Most maths kids also like physics and they're a great combo for A levels.

Your son has a positive bias /skew to quantitative vs the other subjects which are indicate a secure subject knowledge. The improvements in overall CAT 4 indicates he is enjoying school. Your son should be among top set for Maths to support his natural disposition. .

High quantitative result means that he is doing well with numbers. I think you should look at schools that concentrated more on STEM subjects. Getting into a top sets of those schools will help him to excel.

Most are in the normal range. Maths is v high. Maybe just ask the school how they are supporting his maths?

What about using more detailed books for home study ?

The Department for Education now use the term 'More Able' rather than Gifted & Talented. HPandTheNeverEndingBedtime is correct that there is no national programme, but some schools do more than others for More Able students so check their websites and ask about it at open evenings. For example, ask if they put students into maths sets - more able students can get very bored in maths lessons if the teaching isn't differentiated for them.

There is no universal g and t programme, schools may resource an extension activity programme but criteria for selection will vary. Tbh only his quantitive score looks high, the others are well within "average" especially if you have tutored or he is in a private or selective school. Most children are not tested on an annual basis. You need to ask the school what their average scores and benchmark are.