How does a high ability curriculum differ from a traditional curriculum?

A high ability curriculum is designed to meet the needs of advanced learners by providing a more rigorous and enriched educational experience compared to a traditional curriculum. This type of curriculum typically emphasizes higher-order thinking skills, which involve analysis, evaluation, and creation, rather than just the recall of information.

Students in a high ability curriculum engage in deeper exploration of subjects, critical thinking, problem-solving, and creative tasks that challenge them to apply their knowledge in novel ways. This is in stark contrast to rote memorization, which simply requires students to remember facts without understanding their application.

Moreover, while traditional curriculums often focus on a broad range of topics at a basic level, a high ability curriculum accelerates content and dives deeper into fewer topics, allowing for a more profound understanding and mastery. This makes it better suited for students who are capable of handling more complex concepts and seeking intellectual challenges, distinguishing it clearly from curriculums centered around everyday skills or basic content coverage.