Pupils who are gifted in history are likely to show some or all of the following characteristics.

Literacy

They may:

• perform at levels of literacy that are advanced for their age;
• show particular skill at inference and deduction when reading texts;
• synthesise information to present a cogent summary;
• use subject-specific vocabulary confidently;
• follow and contribute effectively to a line of argument in discussion by making relevant contributions and substantiating points with evidence;
• access complex source materials with growing independence.

Historical knowledge

They may:

• have an extensive general knowledge, including a significant amount of historical knowledge;
• develop with ease a chronological framework within which to place existing and new knowledge;
• demonstrate a strong sense of period as a result of study.

Historical understanding

They may:

• grasp quickly the role of criteria in formulating and articulating a historical explanation or argument;
• understand and apply historical concepts to their study of history;
• be able to draw generalisations and conclusions from a range of sources of evidence;
• seek to identify patterns and processes in what they study, while being aware of the provisional nature of knowledge;
• appreciate that answers arrived at depend largely on the questions asked;
• recognise how other disciplines can contribute to the study of history and draw readily on what they learn in other subjects to enhance their historical understanding.

Enquiry

They may:

• be able to establish and follow a line of enquiry, identifying and using relevant information;
• be good at reasoning and problem solving;
• think flexibly, creatively and imaginatively;
• show discrimination when selecting facts and evaluating historical evidence;
• manipulate historical evidence and information well;
• appreciate the nature of historical enquiry;
• question subject matter in a challenging way;
• be intrigued by the similarities and differences between different people's experiences, times and places and other features of the past;
• thrive on controversy, mystery and problems of evidence;
• show resourcefulness and determination when pursuing a line of enquiry.

Identifying gifted and talented pupils in the general guidance