Abstract:

Typically, educational programmes specifically designed for gifted and talented children are dominated by those from the higher socio-economic groups. Shirley Aamador (2007) determined that while 47% of children attending enrichment programmes for gifted and talented pupils came from families in the top socio-economic quintiles, less than 9% came from those in the lower socio-economic groups. There are, of course, other underrepresented groups (ethnic minorities, children from rural areas and inner cities and migrants both with and without family).

The Royal Institution of Great Britain has attempted to address some of these inequalities by providing "Masterclass" programmes in a range of STEM subject areas for gifted students from schools within areas of disadvantage. In conjunction with the Royal Academy of Engineering and Ulster University, the first Masterclass Maths event to be held on the island of Ireland took place between January and June 2019.

This session will showcase the approach, the key topics explored during the classes and the impact on the staff and pupils who attended them.

Six primary schools each sent six pupils to a host secondary school. The pupils had been selected by means of standardised test and teacher observation. The pupils were accompanied by members of teaching staff for whom this was part of their Continuing Professional Development (CPD). The teaching was provided by staff from the Royal Institution for the first two sessions and by staff from the host secondary school for the final four classes. Observers included research fellows from the Royal Academy of Engineering and Postgraduate Certificate in Education (PGCE) student teachers from Ulster University.

Over the six month period of the programme (one half day per month), the pupils investigated, from the thirty topics available, Sierpinski Triangles and fractals, the special number Pi, probability and the chances of winning the National Lottery, Graph Theory and the Bridges of Konigsberg.

This presentation will be of interest to those who wish to learn more about the benefits of engaging gifted and talented pupils from areas of disadvantage. Some of the topics explored during the classes will be demonstrated and impressions of pupils and staff who attended will be shared.

Keywords:

Gifted, talented, quintile.