An English Gifted Programme ( ) “Write Out Of The Box”

A seed project with the Gifted Education Section An implementation of gifted education policy by running school-based gifted development programmes Chai Wan Kok Catholic Primary School P.M.

1. To enhance gifted students’ creativity and critical thinking abilities by piloting pull-out enrichment programmes in English learning 2. To pilot school-based selection procedures for the high ability students in English (student learning) Chai Wan Kok Catholic Primary School P.M.

3. To enhance teachers’ professionalism and promote a community of expertise and learning among English teachers (professional growth of teachers) 4. To foster school development (application of student portfolio) Chai Wan Kok Catholic Primary School P.M.

Level of the target students: P5P5-6 No. of students: 1627 No. of lessons: 810 Duration: 1 hour1.5 hours Teacher involve: Miss Lo M Y, Miss Tang L S, Miss Wong Y C, Miss Ho H Y Chai Wan Kok Catholic Primary School P.M.

Various language arts texts were used to stimulate students’ thinking and creativity. The students were required to: respond to different text types with feelings. react to different text types with creative ideas. Students were exposed to stories and poems with a focus on sparkling the students’ imaginative thinking. Students were challenged by responding to non-fiction texts on authentic events. Students were required to: demonstrate their thinking and debate skills. come up with a piece of persuasive writing.

Nomination by subject teachers according to: 1. academic result 2. observation and comments on students’ skills like: collaboration, critical thinking and creativity Assessment : selection task Chai Wan Kok Catholic Primary School P.M.

1. Pre-test 2. Post-test 3. Student portfolios Chai Wan Kok Catholic Primary School P.M.

A students portfolio A purposeful collection of student work that tells the story of the students’s efforts, progress, or achievement in a given area. This collection must include student participation in the selection of portfolio content; the guidelines for selecting the criteria for judging merit; and evidence of student reflection. (Arter and Spandel 1992, P.36) Chai Wan Kok Catholic Primary School P.M.

The portfolio process It is not the simple collection of work into a folder. It is an ongoing process of observations, assessments, collaboration and dialogues. It is a process which involves dialogues: in the students among students between the student and the teacher between the student and the family among the student, the student’s family and the teacher Chai Wan Kok Catholic Primary School P.M.

Goals Setting form Pre-programme questionnaire Student reflection form Peer checking form Post-task questionnaire Year-end reflection form Reading lists Parents reflection form Self / Peer/ Parents assessment Chai Wan Kok Catholic Primary School P.M.

Illustrating story frames Drawing the story board Predicting a story Writing a new story ending Writing and appreciating poems Writing for and against on the topic Writing a letter to the editor Sharing of my favourite book Reading materials Artwork Mind maps Drafts, etc. Student products Chai Wan Kok Catholic Primary School P.M.

On Student Learning: Students’ confidence in English speaking was strengthened. Students’ reading habit has been promoted. Gifted students seem to do better in their thinking skills and creativity. Learner autonomy has be promoted through the use of ‘learning’ portfolios. Students’ presentation skills were strengthened. 1.

Chai Wan Kok Catholic Primary School P.M. On Professional Development of Teachers: Teachers’ professionalism is promoted through collaboration. Teachers employ effective questioning techniques to provide students with greater understanding and challenge. Teachers employ a range of assessment methods to monitor students’ understanding of lessons and work. 2.

Chai Wan Kok Catholic Primary School P.M. On School Development: Catering gifted students has been developed as one of the school policies. 3.