A certain range of extra curricular activities support the taught curriculum allowing pupils to acquire new skills and develop their existing talents and interests further.
These are an integral feature of the school curriculum and take place both during the school day, as part of our ‘activities’ programme at lunchtimes, and as ‘out of school activities’.
Out of school activities are occasionally organised after school, but more frequently occur as trips and visits which run on a calendared programme throughout the year. We have elaborated assemblies conducted twice a week , where students of a grade give presentations in speech, poem, role-play, story-telling, etc. All students of the school have a designated lesson or session during the week. This is in conjunction with the programme of 2 assemblies weekly in both sections of the school, Junior (KG – 5) and Senior (6-12)
Special Educational Needs
We recognise that some pupils in the school will have special educational needs (if they have a `Statement’), or might require additional learning support if they experience learning or organisational difficulties within the taught curriculum. Others may require curriculum extension and enrichment tasks if they are particularly able as a part of their normal teaching programme. In this respect, one method of assessment that the school needs to identify these needs, are the standardised English, Maths and Science aptitude tests. These should be taken in Years 5, 7 and 9, in examination conditions for the whole cohort in each year, and following receipt of the results. Those with special educational needs will identified in classroom registers using a code. Junior school pupils will also sit a range of Maths, English and Science / GK tests between Year 1 and Year 6, these results are colour coded and recorded on a spreadsheet. Should a pupil require it, the Head of AMPS is also qualified to administer some of the educational psychologist’s tests or may recommend to parents that a full
EP report is desirable. The Head of LS in consultation with subject staff and parents decides whether a pupil should have learning support.
Gifted and Talented Provision
With regard to SEN provision, DPS recognises that some pupils at DPS may have a particular `gift` or facility for particular subjects which sets them apart from their peers. Gifted learners are identified as those who have abilities in the more academic subjects such as English, Maths and French; whereas Talented learners have practical skills in areas such as Sports, Art, Drama or Music. These pupils are identified by the school, or by staff within subject areas, using the following methods:
¾ Testing (Achievement Tests)
¾ Assessment of class/homework
¾ Checklists of skills
¾ Teacher nomination
¾ Parent information
¾ Success in teams or competitions
Annual NFER CATS tests suggest that Ditcham pupils are on average, 10-12% by ability ‘more able’ than national norms. These tests, (as per SEN section), are taken in Years 5, 7 and 9, with confidential results lists distributed to all appropriate teaching staff in booklet form in the November of each academic year. From September 2009, all FORM LISTS will indicate whether pupils have achieved a CATS score of 125 or more in their Verbal, Quantative, or Spatial tests. (V,Q,S). The school has a Learning Support (LS) Department and all subjects have a Gifted and Talented ‘policy’ or section within their curriculum handbook, which identifies how these pupils are specifically identified and the opportunities they provide for additional learning or enrichment. Our wide range of extra curricular activities also provides additional opportunities for particular gifts or talents to be developed.
