At John Betts, we nurture the abilities of all pupils in order to meet their individual needs. We believe in provision that develops emotional as well as cognitive intelligence.

More able pupils at John Betts are empowered through flexible, inclusive provision that provides learning opportunities to ensure all pupils aspire to the highest level of personal achievement.

Our pupils have the opportunity to be involved in activities and receive support to achieve their full potential and raise their aspirations and attainment by developing their:

• ability to learn
• range of knowledge
• core skills such as problem solving
• creativity
• intellectual curiosity
• specific talents

Some of the opportunities we provide for our Higher Achievers are listed below:

Writing across the Curriculum

Our curriculum at John Betts is built to allow children to think deeply, make connections and communicate ideas with clarity and precision. One of the most powerful ways we stretch and challenge our higher achievers is through sustained writing across the curriculum.

Writing at length is not confined to English lessons. In History, students construct arguments, supported by carefully selected evidence. In Geography, they evaluate different viewpoints and evaluate case studies. In Science, they explain processes with accuracy and clarity.

For our most able students, this kind of extended writing presents a meaningful intellectual challenge. It provides them with the opportunity to apply and articulate their substantitive knowledge clearly, while practising disciplinary knowledge explicitly. It encourages our high achievers to develop their own perspectives, and refine their voice within each discipline. 

Across the curriculum, opportunities for extended responses are deliberately built in, ensuring that challenge is consistent and purposeful. 

AIM High Writing Days

AIM High Writing days allow our higher achiever writers to take part in a workshop with a professional author or poet. Working with a literary professional gives young writers the opportunity to learn the tricks of the trade straight from the experts, whether that be practicing using poetic devices and rhyming schemes with a former World Champion Freestyle Rapper, or developing techniques to write persuasively or informatively with marketing experts.

These days are led by a diverse range of literary professionals including Scriptwriters and TV Producers, Journalists, Fiction and Non-Fiction Specialists,  and Performance Poets, as well as Children’s Authors covering a wide range of topics and themes such as sports, historical fiction, fantasy, sci-fi, comedy, and even superheroes!

AIM High Writing Days cover core curriculum areas including:

• Promoting a love of reading and an appreciation of literature

• Oracy, communication, discussion and collaboration

• Vocabulary acquisition and understanding linguistic conventions for reading, writing and speaking

• Adapting writing for a range of contexts and audiences

Whatever the theme or focus of the AIM High Writing Day, all participants have the opportunity to create, critique, edit and perform a piece of writing in a supportive environment where collaboration between students and schools is encouraged and celebrated.

John Betts are now an elected host school Aim High. As a host school John Betts are entitled to additional places enabling us to provide PP & vulnerable children with additional positive challenges.