In 2009 Jack Hunt became a Lead School for Gifted and Talented Education as a result of the work that we do to ensure that all students are challenged during their school career. A wide variety of enrichment activities is on offer in school, from additional Japanese or Critical Thinking qualifications to archaeological digs and sports coaching sessions. Cambridge University has been a valuable partner for a number of years and we are now developing additional links with Anglia Ruskin and Loughborough Universities.

“I would never have imagined that I could do that,” said one year ten student after they gave a presentation at a national conference following our Gifted and Talented Learning Partners project which was run in partnership with Orton Longueville School. Our G&T students take an active role in improving the learning and teaching that takes place across the school and we welcome their opinions and encourage them to watch lessons and then support staff in improving their practice. We are now encouraging G&T students to conduct research projects in school and train them in how to gather and analyse data and then write up their conclusions – all valuable skills as these young people progress into higher education.

Parents of G&T students are also supported through events and activities. Most recently Professor Barry Hymer visited school to deliver a keynote on how to support a gifted and/or talented young person that was extremely well attended by both staff and parents.

Most importantly, we believe that every student has something special to offer and will do our best to nurture their talents and interests. We recognize that G&T students have a key role to play in making Jack Hunt School the best learning community it can possibly be and in ensuring that all our young people achieve their aspirations.