retired_0PETE1

I'm part of this. Done nothing with it tbf.

retired_txanya

I got sent off for a weekend at about 10 and had one really great day. It was good not to be held back by anyone and use my brain properly and all my friends enjoyed it to.

The second day we chose a course that pretty much sounded like magic. One of the things quoted was "learn how to turn your brother into an old boot". Turned out it was a day of looking at the art of M.C. Escher and literally the most boring thing I've ever done. So bad I still remember it after 13 years

I think it was just called "GIFT" and was in a big country house somewhere in Essex.

retired_oldfierce

We don't get this up here, i don't think.

Not in the same format anyway.

retired_hthompson13

I'm also part of this. Got asked to join NAGTY....

retired_tryingfitness

Tbh though, I don't really see whats wrong with it. If you want to go on a course you can do, and that'll probably be useful, but if theres nothing that appeals to you, then don't go on any. I'd rather it be that way than never getting a chance to do anything (although we didn't do much at all, and none of the NAGTY courses appealed to me either). I don't know anyone who it 'messed up'.

retired_steevo93

Is the NAGTY a bit like MENSA, where you apply if you have a chip on your shoulder and something to prove?

retired_autumn

Can't see why this would be a problem. Pressure is not something that only kids labeled as G&T will feel, and bullies hardly need excuses to pick on other kids. G&T just gives them one more option to choose from when they're deciding why a particular weakling is going to receive a wedgie.

What's the other objection? G&T kids will become insufferably smug? Ha. The next place where 'nerds rule the school' will be the first. On the other hand, being labeled G&T may build confidence in smart kids, signaling to them that they are capable of doing well in school and getting good grades.

As long as you can design a useful G&T curriculum, it makes sense to give kids who can do more a little extra. It's smart for schools to do and it doesn't screw up the kids. The little ones are adaptable to whatever schools tell them is the deal.

Unless of course, you want to waste the potential of exceptional students in order to make life more comfortable for them. That seems to be the kind of bad choice that adults often make for kids, thinking they're doing them a favor.

retired_sera

I was part of a 'Students with High Intellectual Potential' program in high school. A complete waste of time. Entry into it was based on maths, reading, writing and pattern tests, but they didn't take dedication and motivation into it at all. Therefore, just like with all classes, the kids who worked hard and studied harder did well, and those that didn't, didn't.

Everyone in the class was painfully aware after not long that it all meant nothing. Everything evens out in the end.

retired_Frappin'

A crazy guy runs the one at our school.

Fwiw I like it because he gives everyone free cakes and drink on a friday. :thup:

retired_mnw_cna

My wife has been appointed gifted and talented coordinator at her school. It's nice to have the extra money but I can't really see what she is going to achieve. There's shed loads of apathy amongst the staff about it, let alone the kids.