More Able Provision at Furze Platt Senior School

At FPSS, our more able provision is rooted in our ACHIEVE values and is designed to ensure that all students feel they belong to a community where they are able to thrive, and are supported to achieve excellence. We aim to nurture ambitious, curious learners who are well prepared for the opportunities and challenges beyond FPSS. 

More able students are offered a wide range of opportunities that extend learning beyond the classroom and help them develop new skills. Through enrichment, academic and STEM challenges, creative and cultural experiences, workshops, and guest speaker events, students develop critical thinking, problem-solving, independence, and intellectual curiosity. These experiences also enable them to explore subjects in greater depth, take intellectual risks, and pursue areas of personal interest. 

Leadership and personal development are central to our approach. Students are encouraged to be ambitious, collaborative, and versatile, taking on responsibility and working effectively with others. They are supported to develop confidence, communication skills, integrity, and resilience, helping them to flourish and prosper both within school and in their future pathways. 

We actively celebrate achievement and promote a culture where academic success is valued and excellence is pursued. In doing so, we ensure that more able students feel recognised, supported, and motivated to act as positive role models within the school community. We work closely with parents and carers to support students as they plan their next steps and future pathways. 

Through a carefully planned programme of enrichment, leadership opportunities, and academic challenge, our more able provision enables students to belong at FPSS, thrive during their time with us, and leave equipped with the skills, confidence, and mindset to succeed beyond school. 

 

Identification of More Able Students 

At FPSS, high-attaining students are carefully identified to ensure they receive the support and opportunities they need to thrive. Identification is based on students’ prior attainment, including: 

• High CAT scores (128+) in at least one area 

• High Key Stage 2 scores (118+) in at least one subject 

In the Sixth Form, students are selected based on their prior Level 2 attainment, and progress is monitored using Level 3 Value Added (L3VA) measures. 

Once identified, students are placed on the More Able register, which is reviewed and updated regularly throughout the academic year. Students are not removed from the list if they underperform; instead, additional support and intervention are agreed to help them achieve their potential. 

 

Enrichment Opportunities 

Students have access to a broad range of activities that develop skills beyond the classroom, including: 

Academic Enrichment & Challenges 

• UK Mathematics Challenges – annual problem-solving competitions for all year groups. 

• Young Writers Competition – creative writing opportunities to develop narrative and analytical skills. 

• KS3 Science Fair – showcase science investigations and experiments. 

• STEM Problem-Solving Projects – such as GCHQ Advent challenges and Samsung Solve for Tomorrow, promoting logic, innovation, and teamwork. 

University & Careers Preparation 

• Guest speaker from Oxford University – exploring critical thinking and future pathways. 

• KS4 Revision Skills Sessions – preparing students for exams with effective strategies. 

Leadership & Personal Development 

• Peter Jones Foundation Tycoon Competition – entrepreneurship, business start-up, and mentoring. 

• Samsung: Solve for Tomorrow – technology design, problem solving, critical thinking, leadership and presentation skills.  

• Leadership Opportunities – leading group projects such as Samsung Solve for Tomorrow or peer mentoring initiatives. 

Creative & Cultural Experiences 

• Theatre Visits and Performances – enrichment through drama and performance. 

• Art Trips – KS4 and KS5 opportunities to explore visual arts. 

• Creative Workshops – such as lantern making or stage combat, encouraging creativity and collaboration. 

Wider Skills & Recognition 

• Assemblies and celebration events – recognising achievement and commitment. 

• Debating Clubs and Problem-Solving Workshops – developing communication, reasoning, and critical thinking skills. 

• Rewards breakfasts and trips – celebrating effort and achievement. 

 

Resources for Parents & Students 

To support learning at home and beyond the curriculum, students and parents can explore these high-quality resources: 

Problem-Solving & STEM 

• NRICH – maths investigations and enrichment activities. 

• GCHQ Puzzle Challenges – logic and code-breaking puzzles. 

• Brilliant – interactive courses in maths, science, and problem-solving. 

English & Creative Writing 

• Young Writers – competitions and creative challenges. 

• NoRedInk – online grammar and writing practice. 

Creative & Broader Learning 

• BBC Bitesize Arts – arts, music, drama, and design resources. 

• Oak National Academy – free online lessons across subjects. 

• Quizlet – flashcards and learning games to support revision. 

Parent Guidance & Enrichment 

• NACE – Parent Guidance – advice for supporting high-ability learners. 

• Potential Plus UK – Parent Resources – guidance, advice sheets, and webinars. 

• Parentkind – Learning Resources – tips for curriculum support and enrichment. 

• GT World – Helpful GT Links – curated gifted education resources. 

• GiftCourses – residential and enrichment courses for high-attaining students. 

• Tomorrow’s Achievers – specialist masterclasses across STEM, literature, and the arts. 

• TED Talks – short, inspiring talks across a wide range of subjects. 

• FutureLearn – free online courses for independent learning. 

• Mensa – international forum for gifted learners. 

• Sutton Trust – university access, skills, and social mobility support. 

• Aquila Magazine – KS3 magazine encouraging curiosity and critical thinking. 

 

Supporting Learning at Home 

Parents and carers can help their child by: 

• Encouraging regular use of the above resources to explore interests and extend learning. 

• Discussing what they have learned to build critical thinking and reflection skills. 

• Trying activities across different subjects to promote curiosity and resilience. 

• Supporting leadership and creative opportunities where possible, helping students develop confidence, independence, and a growth mindset. 

Please contact office@furzeplatt.com for more details.