Highest Ability and Talented (HAT)

Definition and Identification

Definition:  Highest Ability Learners (HAT) are those who have the ability to excel academically in one or more aspects of the curriculum.
Talented learners are those who have the ability to excel in practical skills such as sport, leadership, artistic performance, or in an area of vocational skill.

Identification:  The starting point for Edgbarrow’s HAT programme is the 'Highest Ability and Talented Register'. Students are identified in two main ways:

  • Prior identification by primary school
  • Nomination by subject teacher

This information is then made available to teachers via SIMs. Under their class register, teachers are able to see specific information about what the student is on the register for. The HAT Coordinator will also monitor these students throughout their time at Edgbarrow to ensure they are achieving to their best ability.

Latin Lessons

Teachers from Wellington College provide Latin lessons at Edgbarrow School for students in Years 8, 9, 10 and 11 every Wednesday after school. The teachers offer an accelerated course with the intention of students being equipped to take a qualification in Latin at the end of Year 11.

Learning Latin is an excellent academic challenge and offers a chance to develop an understanding of grammatical structures. Students learn to approach tasks systematically and to use complex thinking skills. Learning Latin helps enormously in the understanding of foreign languages as well as improving comprehension and application of the rules of the English language.
This opportunity may appeal most to More Able students but is available to any student who is interested in taking up the subject.

Other Opportunities Offered

Every department has specific strategies in place to stretch their Highest Ability and Talented students and teachers are dedicated to helping all students to achieve their full potential in lessons.
Below are some of the whole school opportunities we offer to Highest Ability students.

  • Creative writing, cryptography and maths competitions are all promoted in the school with support being offered by the HAT Coordinator
  • Weekly morning registration HAT sessions involving puzzles, brainteasers and riddles for Years 7, 8, 9 and 10
  • Visits to support attendance at Oxbridge and other Russell Group universities
  • HAT revision sessions in Year 11
  • A range of co-curricular activities to support their talents, such as sports clubs
  • Talented students may be supported to allow for attendance at specific events such as football academies or theatrical productions

Highest Ability and Talented - BBC Active article


Should you have any questions with regards to the Curriculum at Edgbarrow School, please do not hesitate to email Curriculum@edgbarrowschool.co.uk.