The DWS programme is now in use in schools across the country and in Europe. DCSF/National Strategies booklet Gifted and Talented Education: Guidance on addressing underachievement-planning a whole school approach. June 2009 p 24 contains a case study of its effectiveness in meeting individual needs within Wave 2 intervention.

Rationale
The model recognises the ‘every lesson, every day, every school’ principle of Gifted and Talented provision, and the notion that better teaching for able pupils raises the standard of teaching and learning for all pupils. However, it also recognises that the needs of exceptionally able pupils are difficult to meet in the regular classroom.

Organisation
The children attend a weekly full-day class along with other children from their partnership of schools. They undertake a non-NC based curriculum. The focus is on maths and science plus thinking skills and philosophy. Work is included on developing study skills and time management, and there are regular team building activities to develop social skills. There is also an emphasis on supporting emotional well-being and personal reflection.

CPD opportunities
All participating schools are encouraged to send teaching staff along to observe and participate in DWS lessons, thereby spreading best practice widely in the partnership.

The DWS Support Package
There is now a comprehensive and well-trialled set of documents on CD available to schools and LAs containing guidance, information, forms & starter planning. The Package makes available schools or LAs all they need to set up, sustain and quality assure DWS classes for a one-off payment and enables them to take ownership of ‘their’ DWS class, developing it to suit local needs.

For more information please contact Aileen at DWS:
Office: 01244 550900 Mobile: 07973 119653

Email: aileen@dwspartnership.co.uk

Website: www.dwspartnership.co.uk