ABSTRACT
It is important that teachers have high expectations of gifted and talented pupils and that classroom activities provide opportunities for pupils to express and develop their special abilities. Activities that encourage all pupils to think creatively, explore and develop ideas, and try different approaches will help to minimise the social pressures to conform that might apply to very able pupils. Pupils can be encouraged to use their talents in ways that they find exciting and interesting by providing differentiated tasks with extension work or seeking opportunities for enrichment work within or outside of design and technology lessons. It is important that the department plans as a team so that pupils are able to draw on knowledge, skills and understanding from across the materials areas and previous projects to reinforce their learning. The pupils evaluate the success of their modelled ideas as products designed to meet specific requirements.
