High Prior Attainers
How we identify if a student is a High Prior Attainer (HPA):
Students are identified as AMA based on their KS2 data from primary school. Students who achieve an average scaled score of 110+ across their mathematics and reading tests are classified as AMA. This means that they have the ability to achieve the best academic outcomes in secondary school. In order to support the progress of these students, we have put a programme in place allowing them to excel in their learning.
How your child will be supported in school:
Students are given regular opportunities to complete challenging tasks and activities in lessons that will stretch all abilities. This may be through the use of questioning and classroom talk or differentiated tasks requiring problem-solving and creativity. Teachers will provide students with feedback on assessments to show them what is required in order to progress to the next level. Lesson time is then allocated for students to respond to their feedback and achieve this progress.
Students’ performance will be analysed on a termly basis and intervention arranged where necessary. If a student is found to be underperforming in a particular subject area, contact home will be made and the student may also be expected to attend OSL sessions to address any concerns and improve their performance. Further support is also available from AMA students who are currently studying at Sixth Form. A mentoring scheme has been designed so that younger students can seek advice from those who have previously been in their position. Guidance can be shared regarding revision tips, organisation and time management and progression to sixth form.
Outside of the classroom, the school also regularly liaises with universities in the local area and is planning to arrange opportunities for students to engage with higher education. We will inform students of such events in due course.
How you can support your child at home:
We encourage students to engage in wider reading, research and investigation outside of school. Departments can provide students with wider reading suggestions which are available to borrow from our school library. Additionally, awareness of current affairs within the news and media is recommended as this can be applied to learning within the classroom. With regards to KS4 students, we advise that they investigate their options for educational progression, including the dates of sixth form open days and the entry requirements for any prospective courses that they wish to pursue.
It is important to note that students’ potential and abilities are not fixed, thus everyone is encouraged to routinely build on their existing skills and aptitudes.