Hidden Talents

According to the Royal Academy of Engineering, the UK will need an extra one million additional engineers and technicians by 2020. Yet as this report makes clear, our schools contain sizeable numbers of children who should have a natural affinity for science and engineering but who aren’t performing as academically as they could because poor verbal skills are masking their talents. The report is based on an analysis of data from the Cognitive Abilities Test, and it seeks to explain what steps teachers can take to redress the balance to ensure these ‘hidden talents’ don’t remain hidden for long.

It includes:

• An analysis of more than 20,000 pupils across the UK, highlighting the numbers of students with high spatial skills
• Insights into what spatial thinking means and the benefits of tapping into spatial skills from an early age
• Practical ideas for engaging girls in STEM subjects
• How schools can spot the students with a hidden talent for Science