Excellence Programme
Our Excellence Programme provides high-quality learning opportunities and dedicated support for pupils working at a level well above that which is expected at their age.
What is the CCA Excellence Programme?
The CCA Excellence Programme (EP) is our term for the collection of strategies and opportunities provided to pupils working at a level far beyond ‘expected’. The EP brings together a range of approaches and experiences that will help to continue to stretch and challenge pupils and help them to thrive.
Why have we created the Excellence Programme?
We have created the Excellence Programme so that we can ensure that all pupils who are working at a very high level (or who demonstrate this potential) are encouraged and supported. It is our aim that the EP enables all pupils to flourish and to be exposed to high-quality learning experiences that have a real impact on outcomes. Pupils achieving at this level do not do so by chance- it is often the result of continual, conscientious effort and hard work. We are conscious that for some pupils, experiencing academic success comes with worries around striving for perfection and struggling to balance their own high expectations of themselves as learners. Part of the function of the Excellence Programme is to provide pupils with advice and support to manage these experiences and to prepare them for the future.
What sort of strategies and opportunities are part of the Excellence Programme?
Within each subject, the unique needs of pupils are carefully considered by their teachers during planning and feedback. Particular consideration is given to how these pupils will be stretched and challenged in lessons so that they continue to make excellent progress. For example, in some areas of the curriculum, pupils may be provided with our CCA collectable cards which present them with challenging extension materials or wider reading to further develop their knowledge and understanding.
Opportunities to take part in small group tasks, challenges, awards and competitions to further their knowledge and skills or to attend extra-curricular clubs or trips form part of this provision too.
Who is involved in Excellence Programme activities?
Most EP provision happens in lessons as part of ordinary teaching. Children are often excited to share with parents what they have done as ‘extra challenges’ or ‘EP tasks’, and from time to time we share information about EP activities on our social media channels or on the school website. We send home details of extra-curricular opportunities or trips that are part of the EP via SchoolComms and letters.
Pupils who are working at a ‘G’ in a subject are most likely to be involved in EP activities within that subject, however, there may be occasions where pupils working at other levels demonstrate a particularly advanced level of skill or knowledge within a specific topic and so they will also take part in EP activities. For example, in RE, pupils may demonstrate exceptional philosophical thinking during verbal discussions but be working at ‘E’ within written tasks. These pupils may be invited to take part in challenging debates that further their thinking skills as part of EP activities.
How do we know that the Excellence Programme benefits pupils?
The Academy is a member of NACE- The National Association for able Children in Education. Our approach to the Excellence Programme has been devised following NACE’s evidence-based recommendations. As the Programme develops, the pupils involved will contribute to student voice and feedback so that we can continually review and refine our offer. Ordinary assessment information (for example, from end of unit tests taken in class) is used to monitor the progress of pupils who are working with the EP and to ensure that they continue to be supported and challenged. ]]