The Gifted & Talented programme at The John Lyon School provides extra challenges to stimulate the educational development of a small number of exceptionally able boys drawn from across the age groups. Some are chosen for their academic ability; others for their talent in the performing arts, with many fitting into both categories.

In line with the growing reputation of JLS as a centre of cultural excellence, the Gifted & Talented programme has a distinct cultural bias, with an emphasis on ancient history, languages (Ancient Greek and Mandarin), music, opera, drama and art. The group frequently goes on trips both in the UK and abroad to, for example, the opera, classical concerts, galleries and sites of historical interest. (These events are, however, not exclusively for members of the Gifted & Talented group: any pupil is welcome to apply to attend.)

One of the greatest benefits of the programme is that it brings boys together from different year groups, where they are free to be ‘clever’. Sometimes Gifted & Talented boys are taken off-timetable for a day to investigate thinking skills or to use their talents collectively to stretch themselves by engaging in critical thinking.

Defining Gifted & Talented

Most boys at JLS are already of above-average ability and many are very committed to their studies. However, as shown on the diagram devised by American educational psychologist Joseph Renzulli, these two qualities on their own are not enough: to secure membership of the Gifted & Talented group at JLS, boys must also display a third quality, namely exceptional creativity. Boys in the Gifted & Talented cohort, whether chosen for their academic commitment or their talent in the performing arts, tend to possess a far greater than average creative element. These boys are often the ‘ideas people’ and include those apt to question rules and regulations.

To read some recent reports of Gifted & Talented events and visits, please click on the links below.