Focus on Potential Blogs

What do you do when your child feels that being different – being bright – is wrong? For the parents of Thea*, now aged 9, it [...]

It has been an emotional time for us this week as we say goodbye to Julie Taplin, our Chief Executive, who is retiring.  She has been [...]

Staff from Potential Plus UK were delighted to take part in this summer’s ECHA conference in Greece. The European Council for High Ability (ECHA) acts as [...]

By Young Leaders Programme participant Anabel Matambanadzo, aged 16. In 2024 Potential Plus UK invited young people aged 13+, who identified as having high learning potential [...]

You know that feeling when you connect with someone who ‘gets’ you - that sense of finding your tribe? This sense of belonging is crucial for [...]

When a teacher says they have never, in 25 years of teaching, met such a stubborn child, you know that you are in for an interesting [...]

We recently received a message from a parent who is worried about Christmas for her six-year-old son. "I am dreading this Christmas. My 6-year-old son, *Oliver, [...]

It’s that time of year – what do you get a child with high learning potential for Christmas? Selecting presents for any child has a certain […]

Congratulations to Finn Anderson-Hendra of Dwight School in London for winning the Young Advocate of the Year (Aged 16 and Under) category of the nasen* Awards [...]

In our summer reading challenge, we ask our members to review five books, out of the many books they read during the summer, that they feel [...]

At 2 years old, Charlie* already appears to be an outsider. His father contacted us to find out how he could support his bright child. “I [...]

It was with great sadness that Potential Plus UK heard of the passing of Professor Joan Freeman, July 2nd, 2023. Many of our members will have [...]

Aged 18 and under? What would you recommend people to read, to listen to or to watch? Our Summer Reading and Playlist Challenge is here! The [...]

For some time, Potential Plus UK has known that we, as a user-led organisation, should be advocating for the needs and rights of our young people [...]

Be Curious Weekend at Beaumanor Hall, Leicestershire on April 29th and 30th 2023 was once again blessed with some amazing weather so that 41 families could [...]

Advertorial, written by Wolsey Hall, Oxford. “Giftedness is an innate ability to both detect and comprehend the world in complex ways that differ significantly from age-expected [...]

We’re reaching the end of the celebrations for our 55th anniversary. Our charity was set up in 1967 as the National Association for Gifted Children, to [...]

Many of Potential Plus UK's blogs and events carry Skills Builder logos – but what exactly is Skills Builder, how do you use it and why [...]

Intellectual ability refers to a child’s development of thinking skills, which includes their inclination to explore and learn about the world, thus acquiring new knowledge and [...]

When you hear the terms high learning potential, gifted or more/most able, there is a tendency to apply this to children as though they are one [...]

From the Archive This article originally appeared in the Spring 2009 print edition of NAGC Magazine. Resources have been updated February 2023. Hi, my name is [...]

Some days, raising a child with high learning potential can feel like it’s drowning you under a huge wave of demands. The quirky needs, complex questions [...]

Advertorial, written by Wolsey Hall, Oxford. A recent survey conducted by homeschooling provider, Wolsey Hall Oxford revealed that 91% of parents believed that homeschooling with Wolsey [...]

How To Be OK When You Aren’t In First Place At School Or At Home Do you really hate it when you don’t win at games, [...]

The Scottish Government is conducting a National Discussion into the future of Scottish education with the aim of hearing from the widest possible range of voices […]

Arjun's Story Arjun is a bright child but lacks confidence in his abilities, is a perfectionist, hates to be put on the spot and to be [...]

What happens when your team loses? The rain falls? Or you can’t find your glasses or keys? Do you shout and throw your hands in the [...]

Have you ever been scared stiff of a spider in the bathroom and screamed as loud as you can? Then did you look around and see [...]

Lily-Mae's Story Lily-Mae* is a bright, curious, happy, confident child who is struggling at school. Discover more about her frustrations with handwriting and asynchronous development. Lily-Mae [...]

Congratulations to all our winners and runners up and thank you to everyone who took part in our 55th Anniversary Creative Writing Competition, raising funds for [...]

High potential learners so often need ‘harder work’ – not just more work. They need more challenge – not just more work. One of the most [...]

Maddy's Story Maddy* was a happy, confident toddler with a fantastic imagination. She was curious about everything and afraid of nothing. When Maddy’s interest was sparked, [...]

Stephen Ramsden is the chair of Potential Plus UK’s Trustees. He rather rashly offered to undertake our first Challenge55 – setting himself the challenge of cycling [...]

Each year, we ask our members to read and review five books for us that they have chosen as a challenge to themselves over the summer [...]

Members, Isabella, aged 4, and her mum Amanda have just completed a fabulous swimming Challenge55, raising money for Potential Plus UK. Read more from Amanda about [...]

Stephen Ramsden is the chair of Potential Plus UK’s Trustees. He rather rashly offered to undertake our first Challenge55 – setting himself the challenge of cycling [...]

10% of children with High Learning Potential face significant personal hurdles, according to the most recent government statistics analysed by Potential Plus UK. These high potential [...]

From the Archive This article by former Potential Plus UK Education Consultant, Elaine Hook, originally appeared in the Spring 2008 print edition of NAGC Magazine. To [...]

Advertorial, written by Wolsey Hall, Oxford. Learning is not linear. There are many ways for a child to be educated, and a one-size-fits-all approach often doesn’t [...]

Sooner or later you will fail at something in your life, it’s going to happen! It’s very likely that you have already failed at something. And [...]

Potential Plus UK is a national charity that supports many neurodivergent young people with high learning potential. We work collaboratively with parents/carers, teachers, other professionals and [...]

Steve Ramsden, Chair of our Trustees, recently came across the inspiring story of Ryan* in our archives. Here he shares the positive story of how Ryan’s [...]

So Why Else Would A Child Act Out In Class? In this occasional series by Paediatric Occupational Therapist Mariza Ferreira, we consider some of the sensory, [...]

So many young people have had prolonged interruption to their school life. It’s timely to return to resilience. Our learners need to be resilient to cope [...]

Many of you will be surprised to learn that Potential Plus UK has been supporting young people for 55 years. It all started back in 1965 [...]

Every single child, parent, carer, family, professional, school and situation is different. This gives a rich tapestry of views and perspectives you will encounter with and [...]

This blog explores how schools can develop supportive, constructive partnerships with parents and carers to benefit their children. Schools and colleges are busy places with many [...]

In 15 years of treating gifted children (also known as children with high learning potential / high ability / more able), I have seen the unique [...]

In the past, parents and carers were told what was going to happen to their child in school. Then they were consulted. Then there was parental [...]

In these worrying and unpredictable times, many of our children and young people are, sadly, struggling to cope. The years usually set aside for pre-school socialising, [...]

The term dual or multiple exceptionality (DME) is used in the UK to describe individuals who have both a special educational need/ disability/ neurodiversity/ mental health [...]

The term dual or multiple exceptionality (DME) is used in the UK to describe individuals who have both a special educational need or disability (SEND) and [...]

How to Help THIS Child in the Classroom In this occasional series by Paediatric Occupational Therapist Mariza Ferreira, we consider some of the sensory, motor coordination [...]

This blog explores how schools can create confident, successful learners from the outset. Strategic, early mentoring, underpins the nurturing of academic skills and routines needed for [...]

From the Archive This article was originally published in the Summer 2015 edition of the Potential Plus UK ezine Fuse Gillian McClure is a much-loved British [...]

10% of children with High Learning Potential face significant personal hurdles, according to the most recent government statistics analysed by Potential Plus UK. These high potential [...]

DME Trust Website Support without Limits Potential Plus UK, in collaboration with nasen, the National Association for Special Educational Needs, has established The DME Trust, to [...]

Each child is different and one size will most definitely not fit all. The suggestions below are for parents and carers to consider, decide what is [...]

Potential Plus UK’s Senior Education Consultant and Director of the DME Trust, Rebecca Howell, distils the important factors in providing high quality education for young people [...]

 Don’t just keep weighing the pig! Ensuring young people with high potential thrive academically and socially Why is it so important for leaders to know what [...]

In this occasional series by Paediatric Occupational Therapist Mariza Ferreira, we consider some of the sensory, motor coordination and emotional regulatory issues which could be affecting [...]

Dual or multiple exceptionality is the term used to describe someone who has both high ability (high learning potential / gifted / more able) and some [...]

Pit your wits in this family quiz from TV personality, maths educator and ambassador to Potential Plus UK, Bobby Seagull. Bobby hosted this quiz on YouTube, [...]

When it comes to families considering a Potential Plus UK assessment for high learning potential, there are always questions that will pop up. We know that [...]

From the Archive This article was originally published in the Winter 2015 edition of the Potential Plus UK ezine Ignis Are you rich? No? Oh dear, [...]

From the Archive This article was originally published in the Spring 2016 edition of the Potential Plus UK ezine Ignis “The Hunger Games” by Suzanne Collins, [...]

From the Archive This article originally appeared in the Autumn 2013 print edition of Focus on Potential You are in the supermarket doing your weekly shop. [...]

Ensuring young people with high potential thrive academically and socially Two recent research reports have drawn attention to the importance of high-quality professional learning for everyone [...]

In this occasional series by Paediatric Occupational Therapist Mariza Ferreira, we consider some of the sensory, motor coordination and emotional regulatory issues which could be affecting [...]

Despite the weather being somewhat inclement, Potential Plus UK member families met together on Sunday October 24th 2021 in the stunning grounds of the Lea Green [...]

10% of children with high learning potential face significant personal hurdles, according to the most recent government statistics analysed by Potential Plus UK. These high potential [...]

Describing Your Child’s Abilities to Others, Their School – and Themselves! For some reason, it can be particularly uncomfortable to talk about your own child’s strengths, [...]

It’s review time for the Summer Reading Challenge 2021! Each year, we ask our members to read and review five books for us that they have [...]

This blog complements a free webinar video of the same name which is available to school members in the Members Area. Recent changes to the Ofsted [...]

From the Archive This article originally appeared in the Autumn 2012 print edition of Focus on Potential What does it take to reach your potential?  The [...]

Potential Plus UK was saddened to hear of the death of Johanna Raffan MBE of a stroke on June 15th, 2021. Johanna was a founding member […]

When it comes to friendships, children aren’t really that different to us as adults; they are more likely to be drawn towards those with whom they […]

In this occasional series by Paediatric Occupational Therapist Mariza Ferreira, we consider some of the sensory, motor coordination and emotional regulatory issues which could be affecting […]

To celebrate Potential Plus UK’s new members’ only area, here is a tale to remind us just why, even as perennially pooped parents, we all continue […]

An important group at risk of underachieving across the UK is high potential learners from disadvantaged backgrounds.  Even where this group is making good progress, it […]

In this new occasional series by Paediatric Occupational Therapist Mariza Ferreira, we consider some of the sensory, motor coordination and emotional regulatory issues which could be […]

What Do All These Acronyms Mean? Has your ‘HLP’ child come home from school saying that they have been “given an IEP and a SENCo”? Did [...]

Self-Regulation Self-regulation means the ability to ‘regulate yourself’; to appropriately monitor your thoughts, control your reactions and respond appropriately to your environment. Ideally, your end goal […]

Assessment is due a rethink. Our young people deserve an assessment system that goes way beyond focusing solely on academic achievement with a constant eye on [...]

Inspiring prose prompts for more able learners not only offer them a challenge but will also support their communication skills, improve vocabulary and provide them with […]

Well, the tents have been dismantled, the stages packed away and, with a large bag of washing for our mums to do slung over our shoulder, [...]

Being there for a young person singled out due to their ability What is Bullying? “Bullying is the repetitive, intentional hurting of one person or group […]

Teenagers often get a bad press, yet we were all teenagers once.  How many of us can honestly say that we were delightful to our parents, [...]

One Occupational Therapist’s Journey into Discovering How Her Profession is the Vital Link for Helping Children With Dual Or Multiple Exceptionality by Mariza Ferreira, Specialist Paediatric [...]

How to Cultivate Good Judgement in Academic Work and Daily Life ‘Critical thinking’ means to ‘positively critique’; to successfully judge between fact and opinion, draw reasonable […]

Well, Glastonbury may be cancelled again this year, but fate has thrown a curveball and decided to follow the lead of the best cheesy clubs of […]

Thank you to everyone who entered our "Life in the Age of Lockdown" Photography Competition. We had a fantastic response. We asked you to send us [...]

Stretching high potential learners is a major challenge for teachers, alongside getting to grips with the technology and skills needed for remote learning which, like everything [...]

Since October 2020, temporary funding from the Coronavirus Community Support Fund, distributed by the National Lottery Community Fund, has enabled Potential Plus UK to offer a [...]

It’s a tricky thing, finding a school for a high learning potential (HLP) child. As the ultimate square pegs, it is never going to be simple […]

Pathways to boosted mental, physical and academic wellbeing We instinctively know that going outside into nature is good for body and soul. Now, science is also [...]

We are delighted to say that Denise Yates, former Chief Executive of Potential Plus UK was awarded an MBE in the New Year’s Honours List.  Congratulations. […]

Slightly Mad Mummy: Entry 7 The continuing tales of my fabulous (and fatiguing!) flexi-Fridays (and, for now, all other days, too!) with my overexcitability-rich 9-year-old Many […]

The pandemic has thrown up many challenges, one of which is how to choose a university when you are unable to go on campus. You can [...]

“In a year that has been anything but ordinary, Potential Plus UK has done some extraordinary things!” As this unprecedented year draws to a close, I […]

Fascination Folders, a place where students can access more information and challenging activities about a topic, can be used in the classroom or electronically during remote […]

Non-confrontational lessons and insights from Kaavan the rescue elephant Kaavan’s mental journey is a marvellous and non-intimidating parallel that we can use to teach young people […]

Today, smartphones and tablets contain all the tools required to create eye-catching photographs and are the best way to start experimenting with photography. I’m a freelance [...]

Having joined the Board of Trustees in May 2020, I have not regretted applying for a second. Being a Trustee is a great way to shape […]

We are delighted to say that we have an amazing new home. On December 1st we moved into offices at the Milton Keynes campus of the [...]

Know Your Subject Choose a subject you can relate to or a hobby you enjoy. What catches your eye? Why does it appeal to you? You [...]

If you enjoyed last month’s article on challenging students in remote learning, we have 5 more ideas below for you to share with teachers across your […]

DME learners have one or more special educational need or disability alongside high ability or achievement. In her 2015 book, Teaching Gifted Children with Special Educational […]

Potential Plus UK has received funding from the Coronavirus Community Support Fund, distributed by The National Lottery Community Fund, to offer a programme of online courses […]

‘Unusual’ in both their potential and in their obstacles? Here is a simple guide to Dual or Multiple Exceptionality (DME). Is your child (or student) clearly […]

Processing speed refers to how quickly an individual can process information, i.e. the speed at which they can react to incoming information, understand it, think about [...]

Many children have worries or anxieties. For children with high learning potential, common characteristics, such as overexcitabilities or asynchronous development, can magnify emotional issues. How can […]

History and Principles of Potential Plus UK with a visit to AGMs Past and Present Back in 1965, Margaret Branch, a psychiatric social worker in Guys [...]

Slightly Mad Mummy: Entry 6 Written just before Lockdown 1.0, Betty Books discovers that it always pays to be prepared when battling a band of black-hearted […]

With formalisation of the guidance to provide remote learning for students who can’t be in school due to Covid-19, schools will be considering how they cater […]

We are absolutely delighted to announce the news that Potential Plus UK has secured funding from the Government’s Coronavirus Community Support Fund, which is being distributed […]

It’s time for the Summer Reading Challenge 2020 Reviews! Each year, we ask our members to read and review five books for us that they have [...]

 With a high potential learner, building confidence sometimes means taking one uneasy step at a time. Fortunately, with the right support it won’t be ‘a bridge […]

Extension and enrichment are two ways of making learning more challenging for learners with higher ability. This article discusses the difference between them and provides examples [...]

Perfectionism and high learning potential can, unfortunately, be an alarmingly snug fit. Up and down the land, parents of children with high learning potential will attest [...]

Positive Self-Esteem for High Potential Learners – How to Help Them Believe and Thrive Self-esteem can be summarised as the opinion we have of ourselves. Positive […]

Metacognitive skills and self-regulation are being promoted in many schools at present, and rightly so. The Education Endowment Foundation’s research and analysis, chiming with findings across […]

What Is It? One of the brain’s executive functions, working memory is the ability to hold new information in the short term whilst it is needed […]

Often, when choosing GCSE options at school, students open up about their dilemmas – “I want to do Drama, but it clashes with something that my […]

As benign as pen and paper may appear to be, we have long since learned not to be fooled by the apparent innocence of the tree […]

How to Support Innovative Young Mathematicians, Artists, Writers and Scientists How can you possibly stimulate the mind of a young person who not only has high […]

Creative thinking, concerning the innovation of new ideas and the ability to think about things in new ways, whilst sometimes seen as a welcome yet mysterious […]

From a young age, roleplay becomes an essential learning tool for a child. As we get older, this vital, natural instinct, which has a proven track […]

“It is a truth universally acknowledged, that parents in possession of a high learning potential child, with a good deal of intensity and facing the post-Covid […]

Potential Plus UK’s main concern with Ofqual’s exam procedure and standardisation model has always been the likelihood of a negative impact on high ability students from [...]

Introducing the executive function processes that allow the brain to plan, adapt and multitask 'like an air traffic controller'. What Are Executive Function Skills? Executive function [...]

Emotional Intelligence is the ability to understand and manage our own emotions and the emotions of others. Its development is distinct from the development of academic […]

Whilst there is a common acceptance of the importance of academic aptitude when it comes to life chances, it is by no means the only kind […]

“A drawing is the three-way relationship between substance, surface and body. It activates the relationships between the eye and the hand, the hand and the tool, […]

You’ve probably heard the joke “What did Watson and Crick discover? Rosalind Franklin’s notes.”? Well, at the risk of party-pooperdom by picking apart a brilliant one-liner, […]

As a Year 13 student who went through the admissions process last year, I know that applying to university can be a serious challenge. What I [...]

“I and thousands of students in a similar position to me across the country can only hope that Ofqual will do what every student does after […]

“Leadership is the most intensely personal thing in the world, because it is just plain you” (Field Marshall Sir William Slim, 1957) I like this quote […]

There are many great science lessons out there at the moment on that remarkable interweb contraption, and lots of great science kits and subscriptions, too, but [...]

Art is a brilliant “think-outside-of-the-box” subject. It promotes different ways of thinking; something which is perfect for children with high learning potential. While some children may […]

Leadership is one of those essential skills that doesn’t always get a huge amount of attention, and doesn’t always get a good press. Has it fallen […]

It is a myth that high potential learners are always motivated. True, their drive and enthusiasm can be powerful; however, when motivation wanes, how can they […]

As children grow older, they develop their ability to research independently. Knowing how to research effectively gives children with high learning potential a head start in […]

This blog on co-planning learning has been written by Denise and Sophia, pupils at Parliament Hill School in London. It accompanies advice sheet S14 Empowering High […]

Challenge the high learning potential brain to be inquisitive, happy and flourishing. What hobbies, facts or experiences intrigue your young person? Use these as a springboard […]

Children with high learning potential, especially those who display Sensual Overexcitability, have a heightened awareness of one or all five senses: sight, smell, taste, touch, and […]

Looking after our mental health, and the mental health of those around us, is more important than ever in 2020, as we live through tricky times [...]

Here are the winning and recognised entries in the 12-18 Age Group. The Penned in Poetry competition was well-received with many entries received from around the […]

Here are the winning and recognised entries in the 8-11 Age Group of the Penned in Poetry competition. The competition was well-received with many entries received […]

Here are the winning and commended poems in the 3-7 Age Group of the Penned in Poetry competition. The competition was well-received with many entries received […]

Michael is running a vPlus Parent Workshop on Home Education on Wednesday 27th May 8-9pm. “The best place for youngsters to learn is in school.”   That, […]

When Flexi Schooling became Mainstream…Maybe…? Slightly Mad Mummy – In Slightly More Serious Mode! It goes entirely without saying that it has been, and still is, […]

Do you have a hankering for wizarding powers? Do you love to learn about potions? What would be your favourite class at Hogwarts? What magical objects […]

Children with high learning potential, especially those who display Emotional Overexcitability, tend to experience the world, and their emotions, with particularly great intensity. Whilst such intensity […]

This blog series covers several ways to support high learning potential children during home learning by making it more challenging, increasing motivation or developing thinking skills. […]

This blog series covers several ways to support high learning potential children during home learning by making it more challenging, increasing motivation or developing thinking skills. […]

Julie's German Challenge Thank you all Superhlpers! You super-supported Potential Plus UK in the recent 2.6 Challenge. The event was set up by the organisers of [...]

Many thanks to all those families who responded to our survey on the Ofqual consultation about arrangements for exam grading and assessment in 2020, which enabled […]

Are you worried that your child finds their schoolwork too easy? Or that they are not motivated to try at tasks? Could this be a good […]

Slightly Mad Mummy: Entry 5 When not charting the adventures of Flexi-cat, Slightly Mad Mummy’s alter ego, Betty Books is solving Covid-19! The streets were deserted, […]

Children with high learning potential, especially those who display Imaginational Overexcitability, can have the most wonderfully wild imaginations and immense creativity, but they may also find […]

Please help support young people with high learning potential Donate directly to Potential Plus UK or set up your own challenge to raise funds so that [...]

With their heightened awareness and deep responses, children with high learning potential (HLP) may well feel disappointment more keenly. Lesley Sword, in Gifted Children: Emotionally Immature […]

Please help support young people with high learning potential Donate directly to Potential Plus UK or set up your own challenge to raise funds so that [...]

Please get involved Donate directly to Potential Plus UK or set up your own challenge to raise funds so that we can support more young people. [...]

Should you encourage your young person with high learning potential to use meaningful apps – or to put down their gadgets? The latest research is contradictory […]

In a year that’s seen the terms ‘lockdown,’ ‘social distancing’ and ’PPE’ added to the common lexicon it might be tempting to view the cancellation of […]

Slightly Mad Mummy: Entry 4 Charting the fabulous (and fatiguing!) flexi-Fridays (and currently the rest of the week!) with my OE-rich* 8 year old (currently identifying […]

Children with high learning potential, especially those who display Intellectual Overexcitability, are highly curious and voracious in their pursuit of knowledge in their areas of interest. […]

If you expect the unexpected, will the unexpected still be expected? Can you touch the wind? If there was a magic pill that meant that you […]

As the weather gets warmer and the school holidays progress, take advantage of the weather and free time. Here are some games that high learning potential [...]

Children with high learning potential, especially those who display Psychomotor Overexcitability, can be highly energetic, always on the go and may want to be constantly engaged […]

Despite the millions of apps and video games that invade our everyday lives, board games (also known as tabletop games) are making a comeback to the […]

Everyone is adjusting to the rapidly changing landscape of our lives. Familiar routines are changing radically, and it is only natural to be affected, fearful and […]

How can we make the most of being out and about when your friends aren't available? Why not incorporate some challenge ideas instead?  Here are some [...]

The series Growing Up Gifted returns to BBC2 tonight, March 25th, at 9.00p.m. with part two on Wednesday 1st April.  https://www.bbc.co.uk/programmes/b09s7mnh/episodes/guide This series follows six teenagers […]

In these unprecedented times, convention is going out of the window quicker than you can say defenestration. One of those conventions is school. This is an […]

Slightly Mad Mummy: Entry 3 Charting the fabulous (and fatiguing!) flexi-Fridays with my OE-rich* 8 year old (currently identifying as a cat and a Georgian) February […]

Supporting your child with high learning potential as they develop may require you asking for extra support. Many parents can find it difficult, uncomfortable or embarrassing […]

It is with great sadness that Potential Plus UK heard today of the death of Franz Mönks, Honorary President of ECHA (the European Council for High […]

Can you think of a time where you really learned something deeply? What was it? What did it feel like? What made the learning deep? One [...]

The results of our 2020 Membership Survey are in! 117 of you responded, for which we are very grateful, giving your views about parenting high learning […]

Slightly Mad Mummy: Entry 2 Charting the fabulous (and fatiguing!) flexi-Fridays with my OE-rich** 8 year old (currently identifying as a cat and a Georgian) *Oh […]

Young Reporter, Emmerson, is a very active member of the community. He is a Young Advisor to the Young Mayor of Lewisham, a Young Reporter for […]

We all sometimes wail “I CAN’T cope!”, “I am at the END of my patience!”, or “I AM A FAILURE in the face of a child […]

In this series we mine the wealth of lived experience and invite members to share their thoughts with us – perhaps through an article, advice, sharing […]

While your child with high learning potential (HLP) often gives you the impression that they can never squeeze enough out of their day, you sometimes feel […]

Ofsted inspection reports are just one tool parents use when deciding what school would be a good fit for their child. Potential Plus UK is a […]

The Above and Beyond Awards took place a year ago today. The awards celebrate parents, teachers, support staff and other professionals in the UK who go [...]

It’s been one year since we saw the inaugural Above and Beyond Awards. So, what has happened since then? The Above and Beyond Awards were created [...]

Potential Plus UK Young Reporter Adam Rafael Holmes has had an eventful 2019. In February he was the recipient of the Above and Beyond Young Person's [...]

Children with high learning potential can find themselves the targets of bullying; taunted with names like "nerd", "geek" or "weirdo". In December, psychology lecturer Dr. Sonja [...]

This Christmas holiday, I visited Meteora, a rock formation in central Greece. It hosts one of the largest and most precipitously built complexes of six Eastern Orthodox [...]

How to Understand Fixed Mindset and Encourage Growth Mindset in High Potential Learners The buzzwords ‘growth mindset’ and ‘fixed mindset’ have caused a stir since 2006, […]

Getting up on dark mornings, possibly craving more sleep, then braving the cold outside, can make even the most energetic child with high learning potential feel […]

If you’ve attended one of the Big Family Weekends, or an Explorer Group event, you may have noticed that our children can be completely different in [...]

2019 has been another busy year for Potential Plus UK We took 380 booked advisory calls We answered over 5,000 initial enquiry calls We carried out […]

An ice-cool easy way to boost creative thinking skills while you get up to speed with the experts. “The Nobel Prize winner Linus Pauling said: ‘The [...]

  Introduction I think that three-player chess is a great game to play, because not only are you being attacked from one side, but from another […]

Over the last month Potential Plus UK has been busy highlighting the needs and exploring ways to support disadvantaged learners with high learning potential, as well [...]

Santa is off on his Advent Adventures checking out potential routes for Christmas Eve, with a few detours along the way. Where will he go, who […]

In 1994, biology teacher Leonieke Boogaard discovered that all four of her children are high potential learners. Since then she has worked as a volunteer in [...]

The sirens blare and we all look up from our work, wondering what’s going on. Lily’s the first to remember. “Quickly!” she says, dragging me toward […]

Where is your place in centuries of STEM? All of these individuals are remarkable and span three centuries of Science leading to…today’s STEM-obsessed or Arts/Humanities-focused young […]

Although many schools, in a bid to raise achievement in compulsory subjects, have cut GCSE Design & Technology from their syllabus, it’s the subject that brings […]

If you and your children enjoy this quiz…If your child comes up with quirky answers…If your child wants more activities that entice their enthusiastic and enquiring [...]

That’s a wrap on another successful BIG Family Weekend (BFW).  It was great to welcome parents and children to Ken Stimpson Community School in Peterborough on [...]

Last week, a video by Professor Valsa Koshy of Brunel University went out to 25,000 schools in England entitled 7 Steps Parents Can Take to Help […]

Ofsted is the inspection body for schools in England Back in March this year I wrote about Ofsted’s consultation on its proposed Education Inspection Framework and […]

Joy Morgan is the Specialist Leader of Education at Parliament Hill School, London.  Parliament Hill School received the Above and Beyond Awards Effective Provision in School […]

It’s time for the Summer Reading Challenge 2019 Reviews! We asked our members to read and review a minimum of five books that they chose as [...]

From ‘Party Bags’ to Psychology Climate change concerns are now being brought into the daily lives of young children. With demonstrations actively seeking the involvement of […]

When he finished the Monaco Grand Prix in 1st place with a flat tyre (!), Lewis Hamilton became only the second Brit after Nigel Mansell to [...]

Being far ahead academically is a trait shared by many children with high learning potential (HLP). They surprise you with a depth of specialist knowledge in […]

What do Ofsted’s new education framework; acceleration reports; Bloom’s Taxonomy; Neihart and Betts; and the poem “The Kraken” have in common?  They were just some of [...]

At Potential Plus UK we see many high learning potential children who struggle with handwriting. A project a couple of years ago with Prof. Diane Montgomery [...]

Every June, a day full of history and pageantry takes place at Windsor Castle -  a grand procession and chapel service celebrating the Knights of the [...]

Are you a teacher, home-educator or actively involved parent or guardian of a youngster with High Learning Potential (HLP)? Then you know the importance of finding [...]

Now that we’re into the new school year, are there any issues unsettling your child? They Don’t Want to Get Up and Get Ready Is the [...]

From the Archive This article, outlining some of the handwriting problems that can affect children with high learning potential, has a particular focus on identifying neuro-developmental [...]

Joining secondary school is a major event and, with the autumn term beckoning, it’s possible that you will have mixed emotions about it. Whether you’re a [...]

Few decisions seem more important than those regarding the education of a child in our care. Even before school age, parents and carers can agonise for [...]

Slightly Mad Mummy: Entry 1 “Sometimes my daydreams work through the hopes, dreams, issues etc. surrounding our HLP children via the medium of painfully bad rhyming […]

The Mission: “A spy has infiltrated Bletchley Park and is sending messages to their handler via a secret wireless access point somewhere in the grounds. Break […]

Potential Plus UK was saddened to hear of the death of Dr. George Betts on August 3rd 2019. George served on the Board of Directors for [...]

Bobby Seagull needs your help. This maths teacher and TV maths educator; University Challenge alumnus; presenter of Monkman and Seagull’s Genius Guide to Britain (a new [...]

July 27th-28th. The BIG Adventure Weekend is a fun and sociable experience from Potential Plus UK, where both parents and children take part in outdoor and [...]

It is amazing to think that it is already a fortnight since we moved into The Mansion at Bletchley Park.  It has certainly been an eventful [...]

Do you know lots about the moon? Would you survive a crash on the moon? We take a quick quiz, visit a classic NASA Challenge and [...]

Tried and Tested Tips from the ‘Parenting High Potential’ Group Potential Plus UK has a very active Facebook group for parents and carers of ‘HLP’ (high [...]

Luca, aged 11, struggles with colour sensitivity. Some shades of white can help him feel better, including the colour of his doves. In this article and […]

Many of you may know Potential Plus UK Senior Assessor Andrea Anguera and Potential Plus UK Assessor Radhika Rajbans, long-term members of Potential Plus UK. Some [...]

Your child has such a passion for learning that sometimes you feel that you just can’t keep up. What do you do next? Not sure? Dip [...]

We are delighted to announce that we are moving on July 1st to The Mansion at Bletchley Park - home of the Codebreakers. We believe that [...]

A high proportion of High Learning Potential (HLP) children experience unusual sleep patterns. These can include insomnia, active dreams, sleep talking, sleep walking, frequent waking or […]

In May, as part of our Be Curious Weekend, we ran a one-day workshop for members aged 12+, introducing young writers to the exciting and evolving [...]

Sometimes, finding activities to do as a family with teenagers can be the most challenging part of a holiday. Particularly teenagers with high learning potential! Here [...]

Professor Barry Hymer is on the international advisory board for Dansk Skoleskak, the Danish scholastic chess organisation. He is co-writing a book on chess and mindset […]

Understanding Empathy Human beings and other living creatures may have felt empathy for millennia, however a word for it has only existed in the English language […]

Following on from Emma's blog about her mock trial as the Suffragette Mary Richardson at the Royal Courts of Justice, Young Reporter Kerensa shares with us [...]

“To be equipped to work at a higher level in the long term, children with high learning potential need to experience higher-order thinking skills; analysis, synthesis [...]

The Be Curious Weekend 2019 was held May 4th-5th at historically significant Beaumanor Hall and provided a superb setting for experiential and empathetic exploration for children [...]

“Thank you for helping me get my daughter back. Without this report she would have had a mental health crisis due to school not understanding her” […]

I recently attended a Mock Trial at the Royal Courts of Justice in London. They run school workshops but we went as a home education group. […]

Maths educator Bobby Seagull is Potential Plus UK’s newest Ambassador.  Co-presenter of the podcast @MathsAppeal, and of the BBC TV Series Monkman & Seagull’s Genius Guide […]

Have You Got a Stomach Ache or Other Gut Related Symptoms? It might be due to micro-organisms in your gut called yeast – not the same […]

There are many great inventors in the world who are famed for one discovery yet chose not to stop there. Ideas were taken further and developed […]

Professor Valsa Koshy, Emerita Professor of Education at Brunel University received her MBE from the Queen, March 2019, in recognition of her distinguished contribution to education.  […]

To make the Above and Beyond Awards a reality, Potential Plus UK worked together with a host of different charities, companies and individuals, all of whom [...]

We are delighted that Bobby Seagull has agreed to become an Ambassador for Potential Plus UK. This enormously popular contestant from University Challenge recently hosted our [...]

In February 2019 I represented the UK at the Romanian Master of Mathematics (RMM), an international competition held annually in Bucharest, Romania. In this report I […]

Ofsted is consulting on its proposals for changes to the Education Inspection Framework, which comes into effect in September 2019. The Consultation Closes at 11.45pm on [...]

Bemused Parent: Entry 5 “I’d like to sign up for extreme caving. It’ll be so cool – you get to wade and lie in cold water!” […]

On the 21st January 2019, a footballer who cost Cardiff City, a team in the Premier League, £15 million, tragically died in a plane crash over […]

When your baby starts to show signs of being bright and energetic, you might feel relieved and proud. As he or she grows into an opinionated, […]

Introduction Hi, my stories are based on a wood with woodland creatures living in it but no ordinary animals here, as you will soon find out!  [...]

Vast, complex, puzzling... those descriptions of the human body might also fit a child with high learning potential. The body and its health provide an excellent [...]

A play by Steven Canny and John Nicholson for the Peepolykus, by Bersted Arts The Alexandra Theatre in Bognor Regis, West Sussex, Saturday 9 February 2019 […]

Key Points for Parental Wellbeing Prioritise your emotional and physical health. Do not feel guilty if you need a break. Ensure your child is safely cared […]

Do you think that your school has got their discipline right? Lola, aged 6, reflects on the “Triple Rs” in her school. At school they have […]

Word has got around that your son or daughter is “really great at maths”, or perhaps “top at science” and it’s proving tricky for your child […]

The team at Potential Plus UK was delighted to welcome local MP Iain Stewart to their office and assessment centre in Milton Keynes. Chief Executive, Julie […]

We had a fantastic day at the first ever Above and Beyond Awards in Birmingham on February 11th 2019.  The awards celebrate parents, teachers, support staff [...]

Sports When you look in your cupboard, do you have a pile of things like old football boots, tennis balls or dance costumes? Do you get [...]

Who remembers their school history lessons? Learning facts from textbooks and rarely going on an actual trip can be very dry. But the success of historical [...]

After identifying through Ofsted reports that a significant number of the 61 primary schools in the trust needed to improve provision for their More Able Pupils, […]

At the start of the 2019 academic year Potential Plus UK launched its High Learning Potential Best Practice Award. It was designed to enable schools to […]

In January 2019, I started the year off with some history by visiting "The Globe", a reconstruction of Shakespeare’s theatre! It is on the south bank [...]

Keeping a child with high learning potential engaged with the curriculum can require the interweaving of multiple subjects, levels and brain regions at the same time. [...]

There’s so much about geography to excite a very able child, simply because many aspects will appeal to their curiosity. They may have a real interest [...]

From the Archive This article was originally issued in the Spring 2012 edition of the G and T Focus Magazine.Potential Plus UK now uses the term […]

Learning music is often recommended for children with high learning potential – not just as an absorbing hobby but because it encourages focus and relaxation, can […]

From the Archive This article was originally issued in the Summer 2012 edition of GT Focus. References to NAGC refer to the previous name of Potential […]

You can stop and think about how we measure time on any day in the year. You could make something special using crafts, science, maths or […]

In November we featured NanoWriMo – National Novel Writing Month in Focus on Potential and 6 year old Lola P. took up the challenge.  Written and […]

Potential Plus UK is delighted that the achievements of Professor Valsa Koshy have been recognised through the award of an MBE in the Queen’s New Year’s […]

From the Archive This article was originally issued in the Winter 2017 edition of the Ignis e-zine for ages 12-18 Orly Wahba is the founder of [...]

“My son is really struggling. All people see is a boy they call ‘clever’. But being good at Maths and Music doesn’t help him with sports […]

Bemused Parent: Entry 4 It’s the time of year when parents hold their breath in anticipation of their child’s brilliant star turn in the limelight. A […]

From the Archive This article was originally issued in the Winter 2016 edition of the Ignis e-zine for ages 12-18 (who knew Doctor Who would ever [...]

Drs. Eleonoor van Gerven studied pedagogy at Nijmegen University (The Netherlands). She is managing director of Slim! Educatief, a private teacher education institute at post graduate […]

Back in September I wrote to the Department for Education (DfE) expressing our disappointment at the cancellation of the Future Talent Fund and requesting a meeting […]

We love the fundraising initiatives and activities that Potential Plus UK and its members hold throughout the year. If you want to see what fun we [...]

10% of children with high learning potential face significant personal hurdles, according to the most recent government statistics analysed by Potential Plus UK. These learners are […]

Following on from the Engineer It article, this introduction to tinkering for younger children suggests how you can connect your child to design, which is one […]

From the Archive This article was originally issued in the Spring 2008 edition of the NAGC Magazine “Am I not destroying my enemies when I make […]

2018 is the Year of Engineering, which celebrates the everyday role of engineering through design, building and using structures. Children are never too young to enjoy […]

What is Moving, Clicking, Exciting Domino Art?  Domino Artists from around the world take part in Domino Shows with people who love creating domino structures as [...]

In the Summer Reading Challenge 2018 we asked our members to read and review a minimum of five books that they chose as a challenge to [...]

When it comes to motivating youngsters to learn, new approaches are always of interest. Here are three ideas that value each student and their individual interests. […]

October 20th-21st saw Potential Plus UK at the Ken Stimpson Community School, Peterborough, for our annual Big Family Weekend.  Thank you to everyone who came and [...]

Many high potential children have a deep understanding of topics, may be at the top of their year group or always win at strategic board games. […]

It was with great interest that I attended the launch last week of the latest report from the Centre for Education Economics (CfEE) entitled:  ‘What works […]

Whether you love or hate fireworks, let them spark your ideas...  Some children find fireworks exciting, colourful and full of amazing science. Other youngsters dislike them [...]

Why do we so often feel it is better for children to get stuck into a ‘proper book’ rather than clutch comics or read from any […]

Insects, stars, the periodic table… your child is super-keen on science and just has to know more. Indeed, their passion for the subject far exceeds what […]

Award-winning poet and educator, Joshua Seigal, uses poetry to develop literacy skills and inspire confidence and creativity in communication. Joshua will be running creative writing sessions and […]

Whoa! Your child slides down the sofa, thumps onto the floor and starts rolling around. But you’re  exasperated and mentally exhausted trying to keep up with […]

Drs. Eleonoor van Gerven studied pedagogy at Nijmegen University (The Netherlands). She is managing director of Slim! Educatief, a private teacher education institute at post graduate […]

Potential Plus UK’s Chief Executive, Julie Taplin, is participating in a gathering of HELP – High European Learning Potential – a group of individuals and organisations […]

It was with great interest that I read this article by the Secretary of State for Education, Damian Hinds, on ‘Children’s literacy and narrowing the early […]

Bemused Parent: Entry 3 We’re in the park for a playdate and the talk is all about mobile phones. Ada’s friend, Olivia, has just acquired her […]

Candyfloss and lettered sticks of rock are two tasty treats that seem impossible to create! – How do You think these sweet snacks might be cleverly […]

It was a huge disappointment to hear about the Department for Education’s decision to cancel the Future Talent Fund, which had been announced by Justine Greening […]

10% of High Learning Potential (HLP) children face significant personal hurdles, according to the most recent government statistics analysed by Potential Plus UK. These HLP learners […]

Autumn’s rich colour palette and abundance of natural materials calls out for a pre-school child’s involvement. Learn about finding evidence, gain observation skills and have a […]

From the Archive This article was originally issued in the Spring 2013 edition of the print edition of Focus on Potential Members may have read about […]

by Julie Taplin, Chief Executive, Potential Plus UK   Every two years the European Council for High Ability (ECHA) organises a conference for the sharing of […]

One moment your four-year-old child is eloquently telling you about negative numbers, the next they’re in in a toddler rage because you want them to get […]

What is Zero Waste Week? ‘Zero’ means nothing, nought, 0, zilch… ‘Waste’ is rubbish, garbage, left-overs or trash. Things people throw away. The ‘Week’ can happen […]

TOP SECRET This report contains information about Potential Plus UK’s Summer 2018 Mission Intelligence The Date:            Saturday 11th August, 2018 The Mission:     To have a fun-filled, [...]

A downtime activity sounds like a contradiction in terms. However, how do you persuade the active body and mind of a child with high learning potential […]

You might have noticed that your young child with high learning potential is crazy about reading, but how do they feel about writing? Some adore it, […]

The Potential Plus UK 2017 Summer Reading Challenge asked children to read and review a minimum of five books that they chose as a challenge to [...]

Bemused Parent: Entry 2 Dad and I could do with an early night. I don’t mean sleep but sitting down by 9pm, to read, chat or […]

Congratulations to Nathan and Philippe, members of Potential Plus UK. This week they have featured in a great series from ITV News Central called Bright Sparks, following [...]

2017 saw the 50th birthday of Potential Plus UK and to celebrate we held a writing competition across our ezines, based – naturally – on the […]

2017 saw the 50th birthday of Potential Plus UK and to celebrate we held a writing competition across our ezines, based – naturally – on the […]

From the Archive This article, written by former Chief Executive, Denise Yates, was originally issued in the Spring 2013 edition of Focus on Potential. 1. Introduction […]

Why have a ‘bubble shortage’ and ‘the sugar question’ been in the news? Not Enough Bubbles? Most of our favourite fizzy drinks get their fizz when […]

“We can’t even tell you how much these three days meant for them and for us. All the experiences, all their achievements (and failures), their new […]

High Learning Potential children often have sensory sensitivities in one or more areas. So how can you best prepare for anything from a walk outdoors, indoor […]

A strong level of mathematical understanding can be typical of young children with high learning potential. Despite this summer’s scorching temperatures, your children may well not […]

Sogginess, a bit of detective work and dashes of colour are just a few of the highlights of a fantastic fundraising event described here by one […]

How do you know when summer has arrived? Without using a calendar, can you find any clues? Be a detective and have fun problem-solving this challenge! […]

From the Archive This article was originally included in the Summer 2017 ezine Ignis Reduce, Reuse, Recycle – almost everyone was introduced to the 3Rs in [...]

From the Archive This article originally appeared in the April 2007 print edition of NAGC Newsletter. Resources have been updated in 2018. ‘Our deepest fear is […]

Top Tips Break memory tasks into simple steps, with straightforward instructions and then make sure that your child has mastered them before trying something more complicated. […]

Lego Mum: Entry 1 Lego (other brick building systems are available) has always been one of those things I could take or leave. Eight-year-old Hugo on […]

“We have met the little green men from outer space, and they are us.” (Village of the Chosen) In 1983, Alan Dean Foster published a science [...]

Is your HLP child fascinated by your kitchen? Maybe they’re curious about the ingredients that you have to hand, as well as how and when you […]

From the Archive This article by Young Reporter, Daniel Dipper was originally published in the Summer 2017 edition of the Potential Plus UK ezine Ignis Online […]

Decades before Harry came to Britain, there lived another Potter with magical talent; author, illustrator, botanist and conservationist, Beatrix Potter! Harness the popularity of the Peter […]

From the Archive This article, written by Professor Susan Hallam, was originally issued in the Summer 2010 print edition of NAGC Magazine.  Resources have been updated […]

Bemused Parent: Entry 1 I’ve decided to start this diary, so that in time I’ll be able to look back and see just how crazy life […]

Mind mapping is a tool used to capture and organise thoughts in visual form. Whether used for thinking about new topics or revising, it helps boost [...]

The things desyred from those parts be theese in primis On Ellophants head with the teeth In it very larg On River horses head of the [...]

“Dogs are better than cats!” “Maths is brilliant!” “You watch too much TV!” -Hmmmm…do you agree? Every day there will be times when you don’t agree […]

From the Archive  This article by Young Reporter, Hannah Mehr was originally published in the Winter 2016 edition of the Potential Plus UK ezine Ignis The […]

“Oulipians are rats who build the labyrinth from which they try to escape” - Raymond Queneau, OuLiPo founder Have you ever done any slow writing? Did [...]

Bring calm and focus to every learning area with a labyrinth. Use ‘lateral thinking’ skills to tailor a journey for a High Learning Potential (HLP) child. […]

Now that Spring is warming up, and flowers are appearing, insects are more numerous as well. Introducing children to minibeasts not only teaches them about how […]

Does your child’s school Skills Build?  In the current education system, many children are missing out on learning the essential “soft” skills of life – interpersonal, […]

The BBC2 series ‘Generation Gifted’ has highlighted the plight of very able young people from disadvantaged backgrounds  who often don’t have the self confidence and world […]

This blog is written by Lee Collins, an Ambassador for Potential Plus UK. He talks honestly here, as a former child with high learning potential, about […]

Professor of Education and Director of Brunel Able Children’s Education Centre, Valsa Koshy, writes for us on Nurturing Mathematical Promise. Prof Koshy is co-founder and director of […]

This article was written by a Potential Plus UK volunteer who wishes to remain anonymous. The above average ability child found in most classes, may often […]

Lee Collins, Ambassador for Potential Plus UK, writes about his reasons for supporting children with high learning potential. As this is my first blog I thought […]

I was always taught that it is only by understanding the past that we can learn for the future. In preparation for our 50th birthday celebrations […]

The desire for humans to belong is said to be such a fundamental human motivation that there are severe emotional consequences of not belonging (Baumeister and […]

The Gift of an Award? We are delighted to win a Social Care Award this year as the Best Nurture Initiative for Gifted and Talented Youth […]

This is a companion post to: 6 Important Reasons to Nurture Children with High Learning Potential. The one thing that high learning potential children share is […]

The one thing that high learning potential children share is the ability to learn quickly when they are enthused, not stressed and not being affected by […]