We believe in the uniqueness and high value of every child, and our teaching is devoted to helping all children to develop towards their fullest potential. We know that children have different abilities and needs but we feel that every human being has the potential to behave in a gifted way at some point in their lives. 

One of the things that makes the ‘Challenge’ programme at RAB so unique is its inclusivity. We start from the premise that all children should be challenged daily, at a level appropriate to their needs. Our insistence on this does not ignore that some children who, according to Renzulli, show above average ability, task commitment and creativity, will need to be extended – in accordance with their needs.

We have introduced a programme at RAB which provides children with an opportunity to become self-directed learners. Over the past year, children have worked on independent projects under the umbrella theme of ‘energy’ or ‘water’ , in science, maths, literacy, multi-cultural studies, art and dance. The member of staff overseeing these projects works as a facilitator, encouraging the children and guiding them. These opportunities have been warmly welcomed by all involved and we are always striving to increase the number of opportunities such as this.

We are proud of the fact that we were the 46^th primary school in the country to gain Challenge status following a rigorous audit by NACE assessors. Our programme, initially based on Renzouli’s School Wide Enrichment model in the United States, has grown and developed over the last four years and is fast becoming an exemplar for other schools. If you would like to know more about this exciting work, then please contact Ann Geeves, our ‘gifted’ co-ordinator, at ageeves@rabutler.essex.sch.uk