More Able and Talented
At the College Merthyr Tydfil we believe in creating an inclusive learning community that celebrates the uniqueness of all learners. The College will promote stimulating and challenging experiences through a broad and balanced curriculum that also offers quality learning activities that focus on the particular needs and talents of the learners. This will be supplemented by a bespoke tutorial and enrichment programme that offers More Able learners the opportunity to engage with a range of talks, workshops and competitions that extends their learning beyond the classroom. We are also committed to identifying and meeting the needs of these learners as early as possible in order to enable them to achieve the best possible outcomes.
Our More Able strategy can be seen below;
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Identify, Track and Monitor |
Support |
Challenge
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To identify MAT learners in a timely manner and inform them
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To support MAT learners through an extensive curriculum offer, pastoral provision and high quality teaching & learning
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To challenge MAT learners through a bespoke tutorial and enrichment programme including the Seren Hub for eligible learners and Skills Competitions for vocational learners
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To establish clear divisional criteria and a MAT dashboard for both A-Level and Vocational learners to assist effective tracking and monitoring
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We will work closely with exceptionally able learners to ensure that learning opportunities are tailored to their needs, interests and aspirations taking account of their linguistic background and strengths |
Increase opportunities and participation in internal skills competitions and increase the number of learners competing in Wales Skills, UK Skills and World Skills Competitions
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To increase the percentage of A-Level learners achieving grades A*/A at A-Level and receiving offers from Oxbridge and Sutton 30/Russell Group universities
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We will encourage and support learners with exceptional abilities to achieve their potential, and raise their awareness of the opportunities and challenges they will encounter |
We will work to develop a collaborative approach to delivery of a range of enrichment and super-curricular activities providing practical, academic, creative, sporting and leadership experiences |
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To increase the percentage of vocational learners achieving Distinction*/Distinction grades and securing advanced/higher apprenticeships or receiving undergraduate university offers |
To develop a range of teaching and learning strategies that extend and support learners’ development
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We will work with partners, including active participation in the Seren Hub, to ensure that relevant and challenging progression pathways are available for high achieving learners in their chosen subject or industry |
As a member of NACE (National Association for Able Children in Education) we strive to provide the best possible learner experience for our More Able learners and currently work with a range of partners to enhance our provision in both a general and subject-specific context. These partnerships include;
- The Seren Network
- The Brilliant Club
- The Scholars Programme
- Dr Lesley Taylor (Stanford Ph.D.)
- Skills Competitions Wales
- Welsh Youth Coaching
- Talk the Talk
- Positively You
- Microsoft
- Cyber College Cymru
- National Theatre Connections
- Institute of the Arts Barcelona
- Association of Hairdressers and Therapists
- Royal College of Nursing Cadet Programme
- Formula One in Schools UK
- Bricklayers’ Guild
- Table Tennis Wales
- TCMT Golf Academy
- Big Ideas Wales
How to support your child
Being the parent or carer of a more able or exceptionally able child can be both a delight and a challenge. Read this guide to discover ways to support your child.
If you require any further information on our provision for More Able and Talented learners check out our More Able and Talented Strategy or please contact Chris Ford (Director of Learning) at c.ford@merthyr.ac.uk
MAT Case Studies
Studying: Biology, Chemistry, Maths and Psychology
Caitlin Jones
Former Cyfarthfa student Caitlin said "I’m really impressed by the level of support I’ve received at the college. Through being on the college’s MAT programme I have had the opportunity to participate in the Seren Programme Extension Classes and Workshops and have also been supported to apply and successfully gain a place on the Cambridge University STEM Smart programme and Cardiff University In2MedSchool Mentoring scheme. Both of these programmes are really helping me to further my knowledge and skills and supporting me to achieve my long term aspiration of progressing into a career in Medicine."
Studying: Maths, Welsh, Chemisty and Biology
Millie Hughes
Former Pen Y Dre student Millie said "Since joining the college I have developed many different skills whilst studying A levels and joining the college’s MAT programme. I have had the opportunity to participate in a youth coaching programme, along with other schemes such as IntoMedschool, which will help me achieve my long term goals in Medicine. I’ve really enjoyed my subjects and the opportunities I have taken part in, although it can be challenging sometimes, it will definitely be worth it."
Studying: Physics, Maths, Further Maths and Chemistry
Sam Owen
Former cyfarthfa student Sam said "I joined Merthyr College in September 2022 to study for my A levels. Since joining, I have enjoyed all aspects of the learning experiences offered to me. The modern learning environment enriches learning making it an enjoyable place to study. The smooth transition from comprehensive to college education was a testament to the staff’s dedication that is also demonstrated with my tutors commitment and support during and outside of lesson time."
