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Athletically gifted pupil at a mainstream primary school

Publication at Faculty of Education |
2023

Abstract

he phenomenon of education for gifted and exceptionally gifted children, pupils and students is increasingly resonating in society in connection with changes in education policy and efforts to ensure an inclusive approach. The paper deals with the issue of education of a gifted pupil in a mainstream primary school. The focus is on the organizational possibilities in the education of the athletically gifted pupil and on the support of the athletically gifted pupil.

Collaboration at the school level (class teacher, teachers, school counseling department, parents, coach, etc.) was investigated.A qualitative approach, case study design was chosen. The cases were selected deliberately. The cases were four athletically gifted female students were involved in a different sport at the national level. The method of data collection was semi-structured interview, and data analysis was done by open coding and card laying technique. The results of the investigation revealed that the current approach to sports gifted pupils in the selected mainstream primary schools is not comprehensive enough. It was found that there was a lack of individual approach, lack of coordination between education and sports activities and lack of cooperation between the actors. These identified factors affect not only educational outcomes but also the overall development and wellbeing of athletically gifted pupils. Inspiration from the foreign model, emphasising individual plans and teamwork, could lead to a more balanced development and better support of gifted pupils in all aspects.