Effective Teaching of Able Pupils in the Primary School: The Findings of the Oxfordshire Effective Teachers of Able Pupils Project

Abstract

Providing effective challenge for able pupils is a problematic area f'or many schools. In 1998, an unpublished OFS'TED report, submitted to the House of Commons Education and Employment Select Committee, identified it as a key issue in 20% of primary schools and a significant number of secondary schools. In the following year, the Select Committee's report ‘Highly Able Children’ established mat many teachers were unsure ahout how to provide challenge for able pupils. It was noted, however, that good practice and expertise did exist ma minority of schools and that much could be learnt from them. The purpose of The Oxfordshire Effective Teachers of Able Pupils Project was to identify some of the teachers who were thought to be creating effective challenge and to examine their practice, with a view to identifying successful strategies. The project, funded by the National Primary Trust, had two main aims.