More Able and Talented

Our Commitment

At Llantwit Major School, we are committed to ensuring that all learners are appropriately supported and challenged to achieve their full potential. More Able and Talented (MAT) learners are those who demonstrate particular strengths or abilities in one or more areas of learning and may require additional challenge to fully develop their talents and reach their aspirations.

Identification

Identification of MAT learners is ongoing and flexible, informed by teacher assessment, progress over time, and classroom performance. We recognise that learners’ strengths can emerge at different stages - some may flourish later, while others’ interests or abilities may change and that potential is never fixed. Identification is regularly reviewed to ensure it reflects current development, without labelling or limiting future opportunities.

Classroom Provision

MAT learners are supported primarily through high-quality classroom teaching. Staff use specific strategies such as higher-order questioning, open-ended tasks and opportunities for independent learning to provide appropriate stretch and challenge. Subject-specific provision is available across all Areas of Learning and Experience (AoLEs), including:

Expressive arts
Humanities
Languages
Mathematics and numeracy
Science and technology
Health and wellbeing

Enrichment Opportunities

MAT learners have access to a rich programme of enrichment opportunities, both inside and outside the classroom, including:

Competitions and Workshops

Debating competitions
STEM workshops
Seren Thinking Challenges
Maths and Science Olympiads
Talk The Talk

Educational Visits and Talks

Visits to Russell Group universities, including Oxford University.
Talks from UK Parliament speakers

Extra-curricular Clubs and Activities

Sport
Music and drama
Language and science club
Art
Chess
Debating

Talented learners are celebrated in our school newsletter and across our social media accounts throughout the year. We recognise that talents are nurtured both at home and in school, and parental updates help us track achievements and celebrate these successes together.

Leadership and Mentoring

Opportunities in lessons to develop independence, responsibility, confidence, and teamwork
These experiences help learners build confidence, critical thinking, problem-solving skills, and a love of learning.

Talents

Progress Monitoring and Support

We also monitor the progress of MAT learners carefully. Staff hold supportive progress conversations to celebrate achievements, identify any barriers to learning, and agree strategies to further challenge and support each learner. This ensures learners remain confident, motivated, and able to achieve their full potential.

Supporting Families

Families play a key role in supporting MAT learners. Encouraging curiosity, discussing interests, and engaging in enrichment opportunities at home or in the community can help learners develop their talents and aspirations. We value strong home–school partnerships to ensure every learner thrives.

Pathways and Future Learning

Our MAT provision equips learners for future learning, from GCSEs and A-Levels to higher education and careers. By nurturing resilience, independence, and a love of learning, we prepare learners not just to succeed academically, but to thrive in life beyond school.

Our Values

Through Ambition, Respect and Kindness, we challenge and inspire our More Able and Talented learners to reach their full potential. We celebrate individual strengths, foster resilience, and ensure every challenge is supportive and inclusive. By nurturing confidence, compassion, and a love of learning, we prepare our learners not just to succeed at school, but to thrive in life beyond it.