Greater Depth/ PHA (Previously Higher Attaining)
Greater Depth Pupils – PHA (Previously Higher Attaining)
For Pupils: Scroll down to the yellow bars for lots of useful Greater Depth resources to help you to maximise your learning. There are helpful study tips, exciting learning opportunities to discover, great opportunities to find out how to boost your skills and much, much more!
Parents: Scroll down to our Parents Section to access our useful guides and recommendations to help you to support your child at home. Also, check out our brand new Key Stage 2 Greater Depth Reading section, to help maximise your child's potential!
Our Terminology
The DfE and Ofsted define the more able in terms of those whose progress significantly exceeds age related expectations. Exceptionally able pupils are those who have the capacity to achieve or perform at the very highest levels.
The defining terminology used within St Bede’s for more able pupils is ‘Previously Higher Attaining’ (PHA), meaning they have a history of working well above average expectation. In terms of their reports, these pupils will have targets listed as ‘Greater Depth’, and this is also the terminology used in lessons.
Our Aims
At St. Bede’s, we aim to create an environment in which all pupils are encouraged to develop their full potential as individuals, spiritually, mentally and physically. All pupils, including those with particular gifts or talents, have a right to an education that is suited to their specific needs and abilities.
We strive to offer able pupils challenging and interesting work that stretches and extends their knowledge and skills. We look for opportunities to recognise and celebrate excellence in all areas of the both the taught curriculum and beyond. We want to help all our pupils prepare for the modern world by encouraging creativity, skills and critical thought.
We seek to ensure that such pupils are identified within each area of learning and that those pupils then have the opportunity to gain access to experiences that will help to develop their talents in the best possible way.
Our Provision
The school uses a number of strategies to identify ability and monitor achievement and progress. In addition to the use of verified and validated test scores, able pupils are also identified through teacher nomination. When the nominations are received, these are then collated to form registers of PHA pupils, which are communicated to all staff so that the extended needs of the pupils can be met.
In lessons, teachers are encouraged to provide PHA pupils with options for deepening their level of understanding. Providing open-ended tasks that allow pupils to explore a concept in their own way and control their own learning is just one way in which we help more able pupils to flourish. In addition to this, more complex, specifically tailored tasks (known as ‘Diamond Tasks’) are set to encourage pupils to really show their ability and skills.
In addition to provision in lessons, we also have a wide and varied programme of activities outside of the timetabled curriculum to help our pupils reach their potential. We also encourage pupils to extend their opportunities further by becoming involved in clubs and activities run by local organisations. There is also a wide range of Greater Depth/PHA resources available on the school website, which cover areas including how to develop successful personal, organisational and academic skills, as well as pastoral guidance.
If you have any questions regarding the provision for PHA pupils at St. Bede’s, please contact the Miss James the Lead Teacher for PHA/Greater Depth Pupils at rjames@stb.magnificat.org.uk
GDS Reading Support for KS2
Welcome to the Key Stage 2 Greater Depth Reading help page!
If your child is aiming for Greater Depth in the KS2 SATS, then this page will help you to support them to achieve their full potential.
Here, you will find resources, activities, practice questions and video links to help you to guide your child in their learning at home.
Each activity has the answers provided, so you can go through these with your child and celebrate their successes, as well as identify where they might need further support. These resources have been specifically created to target pupils who are aiming for Greater Depth so please don’t worry if there are some things your child doesn’t get right. Some of the questions are designed to be particularly challenging!
There are three key units in this section:
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Fiction texts
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Non-fiction texts
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Poetry
Simply click on the links below and you’ll find texts with GDS-style questions for each unit, as well as answer guides.
Please bear in mind that although we provide these additional learning opportunities, it’s important not to overload your child in the evenings or stress them out about the preparation for the tests. Remember – a happy, relaxed and confident child will perform better than a tired, anxious one!
We want to work together with you to ensure that your child has the best chance they possibly can in order to succeed, and hopefully these materials will assist with that. Should you have any questions regarding your child’s progress, please do not hesitate to contact their English teacher. We are here to help!
FICTION TEXTS
Greater Depth Reading – Fiction Unit
This section is designed to help you boost your Fiction reading skills. Each term, you will find a new text added, with questions that are aimed at Greater Depth level. Some are really hard, so don’t worry if you are not sure. It’s all part of the learning process!
Click on the PDF links below to access the fiction texts. Underneath each text there are some GDS style questions to challenge you. You can either print out the text and questions, or read them online and write your answers on paper. You’ll find the answers at the end of the PDF document, so you can then mark your work when you are done! When marking your answers, you don’t have to have EXACTLY the same words and phrases, but you should have the same idea. You might find it easier to ask an adult to help you.
TIPS:
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Read the text carefully. When there’s a quote in the question, go back to that part of the text and read it again just to make sure that you understand it
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Think about the characters – what can you deduce about their personalities, their intentions and their relationships with others?
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Read the questions carefully. Make sure that you answer what they are asking!
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Add detail to explain your answer to help you get more marks
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Add a quote that backs up your answer, if it is relevant. This often gets you more marks in a test.
Fiction Text - Last Light in Briarwood
Fiction Text - Echo of the Forest
NON-FICTION TEXTS
Greater Depth Reading – Non-Fiction Unit
Greater Depth Reading – Fiction Unit
This section is designed to help you boost your non-fiction reading skills. Each term, you will find a new text added, with questions that are aimed at Greater Depth level. Some are really hard, so don’t worry if you are not sure. It’s all part of the learning process!
Click on the PDF links below to access the non-fiction texts. Underneath each text there are some GDS style questions to challenge you. You can either print out the text and questions, or read them online and write your answers on paper. You’ll find the answers at the end of the PDF document, so you can then mark your work when you are done! When marking your answers, you don’t have to have EXACTLY the same words and phrases, but you should have the same idea. You might find it easier to ask an adult to help you.
TIPS:
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Read the text carefully. When there’s a quote in the question, go back to that part of the text and read it again just to make sure that you understand it
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If there are sub-headings, information boxes, graphs or any other pieces of information, make sure that you read those too
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Read the questions carefully. Make sure that you answer what it is asking!
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Add detail to explain your answer to help you get more marks
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Add a quote that backs up your answer, if it is relevant. This often gets you more marks in a test.
POETRY
Greater Depth Reading – Poetry Unit
Greater Depth Reading – Fiction Unit
This section is designed to help you boost your poetry reading skills. Each term, you will find a new text added, with questions that are aimed at Greater Depth level. Some are really hard, so don’t worry if you are not sure. It’s all part of the learning process!
Click on the PDF links below to access the poetry texts. Underneath each text there are some GDS style questions to challenge you. You can either print out the text and questions, or read them online and write your answers on paper. You’ll find the answers at the end of the PDF document, so you can then mark your work when you are done! When marking your answers, you don’t have to have EXACTLY the same words and phrases, but you should have the same idea. You might find it easier to ask an adult to help you.
TIPS:
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Read the poem carefully and try to think what imagery the writer is trying to provide
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When there’s a quote in the question, go back to that part of the text and read it again just to make sure that you understand it
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Read the questions carefully. Make sure that you answer what they are asking!
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You may be asked to comment on the structure or techniques used in the poem. Think about what the poet was trying to achieve when they wrote it
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Add detail to explain your answer to help you get more marks
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Add a quote that backs up your answer, if it is relevant. This often gets you more marks in a test.
POEM - Teach Me The Language of Cat
POEM - How to Cut a Pomegranate
HELP VIDEOS
Greater Depth Reading Help Videos
In the Key Stage 2 SATS Reading tests, you will need to answer all different types of questions. Some are easier than others. In order to achieve Greater Depth, you will need to know how to successfully answer all types of questions and how to maximise your marks by doing well on the more complex questions. Here are some videos to help you!
Extended Response Questions
Extended response questions require a detailed, longer answer. They will normally require you to justify your thoughts or impressions about something using evidence from the text. The questions are designed to check a number of your reading skills, such as inference, prediction and your understanding of vocabulary. They are usually worth between 2 and 3 marks each. Watch this video to help you to learn more!
How Do You Answer Extended Reading Questions? | KS2 English Concept for Kids
Tick One and Explain
In this video, you are going to be looking at ‘tick one and explain’ reading questions. Tick one and explain reading questions are used to ask your opinion about something. They are usually designed to check your inference or prediction skills. Watch this video to help you to always get the right answer!
What Are 'Tick One and Explain' Reading Questions? | KS2 English Concept for Kids
Multiple Choice Questions
In this video, there are tips to help you when completing multiple choice questions and what to do if you are unsure what the language in the question means. These questions should be very easy, but sometimes are harder than you’d expect! Watch the video for some extra tips!
How Do I Answer Multiple Choice Reading Questions? | KS2 English Concept for Kids
Working Out Word Meanings
This video helps you to use your text analysis skills to work out what complex words might mean. Sometimes, you may get a question in which you don’t understand the word you have to explain. Don’t worry! Use these tips to help you!
How Do I Work Out Word Meanings from Context Clues? | KS2 English Concept for Kids
Meet the Characters!
Lots of different detective dogs are mentioned in these videos to help you to build your skills. Check out the video below to find out about each one!
Who are Twinkl's Totally Pawsome Gang? | KS2 English Concept for Kids
GUIDANCE FOR PARENTS/CARERS
KS2 Reading SATS - Achieving Greater Depth
Guidance for Parents
Greater depth reading questions for KS2 focus on inference, authorial intent, and justification, encouraging pupils to move beyond literal retrieval to analyse vocabulary, themes, and character motivation. Key areas include explaining how language shapes meaning, comparing texts, evaluating, and using evidence to support nuanced opinions. 
Below are some of the key areas which are specifically linked to achieving Greater Depth. For each aspect, there are sample questions that you could ask your child which relate to their own reading book, or a text that you have read together.
Key Types of Greater Depth Questions
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Inferential & Evaluative:
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"What impression do you get of [character/setting] from this paragraph?"
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"How does the author create a sense of mood/atmosphere in this scene?"
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"Why might the author have chosen this specific word/phrase?"
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"Based on the text, what is your opinion of [character's action]?"
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Analytical:
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"How does the author's choice of language impact the reader?"
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"Compare how two different characters react to the same event."
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"How has the author used structure to create tension?"
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Justification & Evidence:
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"Which sentence best supports the idea that...?"
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"What evidence can you find to show...?"
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Predictive & Evaluative:
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"Based on the clues in the text, what might happen next?"
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"How does this text compare with other stories by the same author/with a similar theme?" 
Greater depth reading (GD) at KS2 also requires pupils to summarise, predict, discuss how language features shape meaning and also have an understanding of how language choices and structure affect a text. Practice often involves 3-mark questions demanding detailed justifications. 
GD Reading Focus Areas & Question Stems
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What impression do you get of [character/setting] in this paragraph?
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How does the author make you feel [emotion] at this point in the story?
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What is the character’s motive for [action]?
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Explain how the character's language/actions indicate they are [e.g., angry, nervous].
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What does this action tell you about the character’s personality?
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Why do you think the author chose this specific word or phrase?
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What is the effect of the [metaphor/simile/personification] used here?
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Why did the author use [e.g., short sentences/direct speech] in this scene?
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How does the author’s choice of language create an atmosphere of [e.g., suspense]?
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How does this chapter/paragraph contrast with the previous one?
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What is the purpose of including [specific detail/paragraph] here?
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Compare the views of [person A] and [person B] on [topic].
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Does the author succeed in convincing the reader of [argument]? Use evidence.
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What might happen in the next chapter, based on the clues in the text?
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Summarize the main argument of this article in one sentence.
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How do these two text extracts, written in different times, compare in their message? 
Greater Depth Resources
Welcome to the Greater Depth PHA Resource Area!
This is the area of our school website dedicated to Greater Depth PHA pupils and extending your learning. So, what can you expect?
What does PHA mean?
PHA stands for ‘Previously Higher Attaining’, and it basically means that at some point in your school career, your teachers have identified that you have a particular strength in one or more subject areas. This could have been identified through tests, school work, achievements or natural ability, and it usually means that you will be given targets of ‘Greater Depth’ in those lessons. You will notice in lessons that you will be encouraged to go for the ‘Gold’ target and may even be set extra challenges to really help you to extend your learning further and stretch your abilities.
What does this area of the website provide?
Here, you will find lots of fun things to try, as well as some really complex activities designed to challenge you. There is something here for everyone! We want to help you to find new interests, develop helpful new skills, boost your creativity and also encourage critical thought. There are three main areas of the PHA section to explore:
* Boost Your Brain
* Cool Things to Learn and Explore
* Useful Skills, Tips, Tricks and Brain Games
In each area, you will find stacks of interesting activities to have a go at. Some involve videos, some are creative challenges, some are workshops from people who have excelled in their field and there are even some amazing 360-degree tours to explore! There’s also lots of opportunity to develop personal skills such as how to do a successful presentation; boosting your memory and managing your time effectively. You can even learn how your brain actually works!
How do I use these resources?
These resources are all designed to be accessible on pretty much any device.
If you have any questions about being a Greater Depth/PHA pupil, please speak to your subject teacher. Alternatively, you can speak to Miss James, who is the Lead Teacher for PHA at St Bede’s.
We hope that you enjoy building your skills and knowledge with these resources – it’s all up to you to get involved and take your learning further. The sky is the limit!
‘The capacity to learn is a gift; the ability to learn is a skill; the willingness to learn is a choice’
Boost your Brain
Building Your Skills and Brain Power
In this ‘Boost Your Brain’ section, you will find a range of PowerPoints designed to help you to improve your ability, train your brain and understand how it works. Most of the PPTs have short videos to watch, as well as useful tips and info to read.
Here’s a quick overview of what you can study.
| 1. How does your brain work? Find out about how your brain actually works, how it keeps us alive, how fast thoughts are and even explore mini-brains that scientists have created in the lab! This PPT is very scientific but has some fascinating things in it. You’ll learn lots about your brain! |
| 2. How to be an original thinker Find out about how you can think outside the box and learn about how you can be successful by thinking in different ways. Learn to take risks and trust your instincts! There are some questions and behaviour tasks to try too. Click on this link for the how to be an original thinker resource |
| 3. How to deal with Imposter Syndrome If, like Albert Einstein and Maya Angelou, you have ever felt that you don’t ‘deserve’ success or that your talents are all down to ‘luck’, then this is the one for you. Learn to celebrate your special skills – it’s okay to do well! Click on this link to access the how to deal with Imposter Syndrome resource |
| 4. Fixed and Growth Mindsets This PPT helps you find out what sort of mindset you have. It also gives you pointers on how to develop a Growth Mindset, which is really helpful for achieving success! |
| 5. What is your Learning Style? This PPT and the related Word documents will help you to work out which Learning Style you are. When you find out, you can tailor your learning to fit your style and maximise your ability! Click on this link to find out about learning styles Click on this link to access the learning style quiz Click on this link to find out about tips to help you learn more effectively |
| 6. Managing Stress and Learning to Relax This PPT talks you through ways to reduce stress and offers some great tips. It also looks at how to get good sleep and gives you useful links to the ChildLine website. |
| 7. Dealing With Mistakes and ‘Failure’ This PPT looks at some of the most famous, successful people in the world and shows you one thing they all have in common – failure at first! We then look at perfectionism and how to deal with mistakes and when things go wrong. It’s ok to make mistakes – don’t let them hold you back! Click on this resource to help you deal with mistakes and failures |
Cool things to learn to explore
In the ‘Cool Things to Learn and Explore’ folder, you will have the opportunity to discover lots of amazing activities and interesting topics. You’ll be able to visit places virtually that you might never see in real life; examine famous art in unbelievable detail and even learn from the experts about how to be a success!
Here’s a quick overview of what you can study.
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1. Awesome 360-degree Virtual Tours Have you ever wanted to visit somewhere amazing, put not been able to? Why not try some of these awesome 360-degree tours? You can go inside space shuttles, see dinosaurs or even take a tour around India!
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Useful Skills, Tips, Tricks and Brain Games
Building Your Skills and Brain Power
In this section ‘Useful Skills, Tips, Tricks and Brain Games’ you will find a range of PowerPoints designed to help you to improve your general skills and your ability to learn. There are also some fun games to try! Most of the PowerPoints have short videos to watch, as well as useful tips and info to read.
Here’s a quick overview of what you can study.
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1. Boosting Your Self-Confidence This short presentation guides you through how to build your confidence. It’s a small start, but everyone has to start somewhere! |
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2. How to be Confident When Leading a Presentation Do you get nervous when talking in front of the class or doing a presentation? Find out about how you can build your confidence and present successfully without being nervous! |
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3. Learn to Sketchnote Sketchnoting is a great way to make notes that involves drawings, symbols and arrows. It’s great if you find note-taking hard, if you’re a visual learner or if you enjoy doodling. You don’t have to be a good artist – don’t worry! |
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4. How to practise effectively for just about anything! Whatever your talents are, you can help them to grow with effective practice. This PPT gives you tips to help you to maximise your ability and reach your goal, whatever it may be. |
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5. Time Management and Study Skills Managing your time is very important as it helps you to work and relax better. This PPT guides you through the best ways to study so that your time is effectively organised. |
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6. Boost your Thinking Skills with the TASC Wheel The TASC Wheel gives you a great way to organise your thinking. If you’re struggling with how to approach a big learning problem, give it a go! |
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7. Tips for Memorising This PPT guides you through the best tips to memorise something. This is a great skill that will help you in exams and in your life in general. There are some poems to try memorising, but of course, you can use the skills for memorising anything you like! |
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8. MENSA Games to Expand Your Mind Follow the links on this PPT to play a wide range of MENSA games – they’re very tricky and will really give your brain a workout! |
Year 8 Extended Project and Information Pack
Additional Questions
All documents are created in school and are securely stored. Any content uploaded to the document is checked beforehand and any irrelevant content has been removed. If you have any questions please read below, and if your question hasn’t been answered, then please reach out to Miss James, PHA Lead Teacher.
Do I need to have an active school account to access these resources?
No, all our resources are free to use for all students, providing you have the required software, discussed below.
How do I open these files?
To open Word and PowerPoint files you will need either: Microsoft Office 20xx (input version here, however it should really be no older than 2015); Microsoft Office 365 (Web and app versions are the best apps to open with); there are other 3rd party apps (not owned or created by Microsoft that will work fine with these, however please use at your own discretion)
PDF Documents can be opened in web browsers (such as Chrome and Edge) and also can be opened in dedicated apps such as: Adobe Acrobat and reader software, and other 3rd party software.
Any other document type not listed above, will have the information listed beforehand.
What is a PDF Document, and why are you not just using Word Documents?
A PDF (Portable Document Format) document is a document that is lightweight in nature, as it is compressed to a smaller file size, they also don’t rely on the software that created them, nor any operating system, and they will look the same no matter how one is opened.
Why are most of your documents uploaded as PDF’s and not word or PowerPoint documents?
A PDF typically is a compressed version of a PowerPoint or Word document and as such has a smaller file size, this means that it is quicker to download, takes up less space, and also, can be opened on web browsers meaning that you don’t actually need to download the file at all.
What devices can I use to access your resources?
Any device should be usable with our website, if you are having issues, or notice something that should be changed then please let us know.
How do I get to your resources?
Our resources are available on their own specific web pages, please click on the links under the “Resources” menu above, or click on an item in the drop-down list below and click on the link in each section.
External Resources
Parents
Please click on the following links to help parents support children who are PHA.
How might your child be stretched and challenged
What does it mean to be Gifted & Talented