Nurturing Curiosity. Inspiring Excellence.

At St Augustine's Priory, we firmly believe that every student has the potential to shine. Our Able, Gifted and Talented (AG&T) programme is designed to identify and nurture this potential, whether it's exceptional ability, creativity, or academic prowess. We provide an environment that is intellectually rich, spiritually grounded, and emotionally supportive, where every student can flourish. 

Our commitment to AG&T students is unwavering. We ensure that they are not just stretched and stimulated, but also fully supported. This support extends beyond the classroom, encompassing targeted challenges, personalised projects, and a dynamic enrichment programme. Parents can rest assured that their child's potential is being nurtured in a comprehensive and thoughtful manner. 

What Is AG&T at St Augustine's? 

We define AG&T learners as those who show high performance or potential across a broad range of areas: 

• Able: Performing significantly above age-related expectations. 
• Gifted: Excelling in academic disciplines such as English, Mathematics, or Science. 
• Talented: Demonstrating creativity, skill, or leadership in the Arts, Sport, Languages, or Technology. 

Our AG&T provision is comprehensive, extending across the whole school — from Early Years to Sixth Form. It is deeply rooted in our Catholic ethos of developing the whole person, ensuring that every aspect of a student's potential is recognised and nurtured. 

Understanding Able, Gifted & Talented 

While the terms are sometimes used interchangeably, we use the following distinctions to support students better: 

Able 

Able pupils perform significantly above age-related expectations in one or more subjects. They often grasp new concepts quickly, require minimal repetition, and show strong reasoning and analytical skills. 

Example: A pupil consistently exceeding expectations in Mathematics, with deep conceptual understanding. 

Gifted 

Gifted pupils demonstrate outstanding aptitude or originality in academic disciplines such as English, Science, or Languages. They show abstract thinking, curiosity, and often engage with learning beyond the classroom. 

Example: A student who writes with critical depth, or designs and carries out independent scientific investigations. 

Talented 

Talented pupils excel in creative, physical, or technical areas such as Music, Drama, Sport, or Technology. They may demonstrate flair, leadership, precision, or imaginative expression. 

Example: A student composing original music, leading drama productions, or competing at a high level in sport. 

Identification and Review 

We use a holistic and inclusive approach to identifying AG&T students through: 

• Cognitive data (e.g. CAT4 scores, baseline assessments) 
• Teacher nominations and subject-specific achievements 
• Co-curricular performance (e.g. music, drama, sport) 
• Creativity, leadership or problem-solving in and outside the classroom 

Through a holistic and inclusive approach, we identify AG&T students based on cognitive data, teacher nominations, co-curricular performance, and creativity, leadership or problem-solving skills. Once identified, students are placed on the AG&T register, and their progress is reviewed annually, with input from both staff and families. 

Stretch and Challenge Opportunities 

In the Curriculum 

• ISEB Project Qualification (IPQ) – Year 6 pupils complete their first independent research project. 
• Higher Project Qualification (HPQ) – Year 8 students explore a topic of personal interest in depth. 
• Extended Project Qualification (EPQ) – Year 12 students prepare for university with guided academic research. 
• Subject-specific extension activities and stretch tasks 
• Debate, ethical discussion, and critical thinking 
• Opportunities to publish and present work 

Co-Curricular Enrichment 

• AG&T Bi-Weekly Scholar Seminars – Discussion-based sessions exploring current affairs and big ideas 
• Monday Research Presentations – Students present projects or ideas to peers 
• Faculty Friday Talks – Lunchtime talks by staff or guest speakers on specialist topics 
• National competitions: UKMT Maths Challenge, MUN, essay prizes, and public speaking contests 
• Trips: Museums, university taster days, theatres, industry visits 
• LAMDA, music ensembles, drama productions, art showcases 

Leadership, Mentoring and Growth 

We believe that stretch also comes through responsibility, reflection, and leadership: 

• Vertical Mentoring: Sixth Form AG&T pupils mentor younger scholars 
• Scholars' Evening: Annual event for scholars to present their work and reflect on progress 
• University Preparation: Specialist guidance for Oxbridge, medicine, law, and competitive courses 

Working in Partnership with Parents 

Families are key partners in nurturing high-potential learners. We provide: 

• Regular updates on AG&T register and progress 
• Guidance for home learning and project extension 
• Information on national competitions, courses, and summer schools 
• Invitations to AG&T events, talks, and showcases 

Outcomes and Impact 

Our AG&T pupils: 

• Achieve outstanding academic results 
• Gain places at top universities, including Oxbridge and the Russell Group 
• Develop independence, leadership and intellectual curiosity 
• Remain creative, confident and critically engaged throughout their school journey 

We understand that each student is unique, and we are committed to adapting our provision to meet their individual needs. Our AG&T programme is not static; it continually evolves to ensure that every scholar is challenged, supported, and inspired. This adaptability is a testament to our commitment to providing the best possible education for our students.