Marked Aptitudes

Abstract

The paper suggests the use of the term “marked aptitudes” to describe exceptional attributes of pupils. The writer suggests that such a term avoids the misleading connotations of “gifted” or “very able” and focuses on the specific area that is exceptional, involving teachers in formulating a more exact definition of the actual behaviour and skills demonstrated by individual pupils in a wide range of areas. The writer further argues that provision for pupils with “marked aptitudes” should be intrinsic to the planning in all schools.