17th May 2008
Gifted & Talented
Quality Standards
Quality Standards are used to provide a universally accepted way of measuring good practice in the identification, provision and support of talented pupils.
They should:
- represent different levels of programme outcomes, from requisite to exemplary;
- indicate the level of performance to which all schools and other relevant agencies should aspire;
- reflect professional consensus in talent development practice that most informed professionals would be likely to find acceptable;
- be visible aspects of educational programming, directly connected to the continuous growth and development of talented pupils in PE.
The Quality Standards have been devised and presented to offer maximum flexibility of use. However, we suggest two main applications:
1. As a framework for development
Schools, LEAs and other groups can use the Quality Standards as the basis of planning and developing effective and equitable talent development practices in PE. The framework also indicates 'Quality Steps’, which are ways that teachers can support the progression of young people from one level to the next.
2. As a framework for self-evaluation
The structured nature of the Quality Standards suggests that they might also be used as the basis of self-evaluation and assessment. Schools, LEAs and other groups can use the framework to make judgments about their current performance, obstacles to progression and supporting services and resources - including continuing professional development - that may be necessary for advancement.
However schools may also wish to use the quality standards:
- as part of the evidence necessary for schools aspiring to Specialist Sports Colleges status;
- as guidance towards OfSTED inspection criteria;
- as the basis of Teacher Training and Continuing Professional Development courses and modules.
The quality standards in talent development in PE have been developed by David Morley and Richard Bailey. For further details please go to www.talentmatters.org/qs01/qs.htm.