Excellence in Cities: Further guidance on the gifted and talented pupils cohort: examples of support for gifted and talented pupils

Tomorrow's achievers

Tomorrow's Achievers, run by Gabbitas, Truman and Thring Educational Trust, provides masterclasses for gifted and talented children - those who are in the top 2% of the ability range - aged 5 to 18.

The courses, which are based on curriculum extension and enrichment, offer an introduction to a variety of themes designed to encourage lateral thinking in ways which involve and challenge the most able children.

Masterclasses are held throughout the year in different parts of the country. Some are day classes, normally held on Saturdays. Others are residential - lasting between a weekend and a week. The masterclasses are run either by Gabbitas or by an organisation that has been approved by them. Gabbitas also provide INSET opportunities linked to the provision of their programmes.

Although parents who can afford to pay for their child to attend the course are expected to do so, Tomorrow's Achievers also has a grant scheme. Criteria for grant award typically includes entitlement to free school meals, or a parent in receipt of income support or similar benefit. Occasionally the masterclasses are free to all participating children.

Gabbitas currently run a successful programme of masterclasses in London and the South-East, South-West and North and are considering setting up new programmes in Birmingham, Portsmouth/Southampton, Newcastle and Yorkshire. They would be very grateful for your help in encouraging and assessing demand in these areas.

Copies of the full list of courses and dates for 2000 - 2001, leaflets, posters, grant application forms and flyers for forthcoming masterclasses are available from:

Patricia Morse, Administrator, Tomorrow's Achievers
The Gabbitas, Truman and Thring Educational Trust
Carrington House, 126 - 130 Regent Street, London W1B 5EE

Tel: 020 7734 0161 Email: patricia_morse@gabbitas.co.uk

Dates of masterclasses in London include 11 and 18 November, 2 and 12 December 2000 and 13 January, 10 February, 10 March, 21 April, 12 May, 9 and 16 June and 14 July 2001.

Dates of masterclasses in the south-east include 11, 18 and 25 November, 2 and 16 December 2000, 20 January, 10 February and 12 May 2001.