Gifted and talented boys need intellectual stimulus and emotional security, both areas in which small international study environments such as Chavagnes International College are particularly strong.
Over the last few years Chavagnes has welcomed a number of gifted and talented pupils from the UK, France and Spain and Principal Ferdi McDermott considers that his school provides an ideal environment for boys dealing with issues relating to intellectual precocity.
Often a child discovers that coupled with a high IQ comes a lack of emotional and social self-confidence, particularly with the onset of adolescence. In a small and friendly environment (Chavagnes has class sizes of 5-10, with a pupil:teacher ratio of 3:1) pupils, says McDermott, are able to be “big fish in a small sea.” There is also strong spiritual support from the school’s resident priest and brother.
A ‘year out’ of the French or Spanish education system has provided French and Spanish boys with fluency in English and/or French, plus a chance to develop sporting, theatrical and musical talents in a non-threatening environment. Pupils from the UK have also benefitted from the rich culture of modern languages at the College, with stays at the homes of French and Spanish friends and the challenge of a some classes taught through French.
The College operates a successful ‘extra Maths’ programme with participation in the UK Maths Challenge and the International ‘Mathletics’ scheme, making Mathematics an exciting and competitive subject, which is just the way it should be for boys, says McDermott.
Parents of Gifted and Talented boys are warmly invited to get in touch with Mr McDermott to discuss possibilities for their sons.
More details at www.chavagnes.org (Email office@chavagnes.org)
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