RESEARCH REPORT SUBMITTED TO THE FACULTY OF EDUCATION, UNIVERSITY OF THE WITWATERSRAND, IN PARTIAL FULFILMENT OF THE REQUIREMENTS FOR THE DEGREE OF MASTER OF EDUCATIONAL PSYCHOLOGY DATE: MARCH, 1994 / Numerous research reports cover the need for educational programmes that address the social, intellectual, emotional and creative aspects of the development of gifted disadvantaged children (Rosenbaum, 1989), This study focuses on assessing. the effectiveness of an enrichment programme designed to enhance the self-concept of both identified 'talented' students and their 'average' peers. The term 'talented' was chosen in an attempt to move away from 'gifted' with its limited definition and biased connotations. Both the talented and average groups of children were participated in an enrichment programme which challenged their performance, attitudes and interpersonal skills. Various aspects of the programme were evaluated: the extent to which such a programme can achieve its objectives; identifying the programme's strengths and weaknesses and; developing a realistic, alternative course of action fOr curriculum modification. Support was found for the belief that the self-concept of all children can be enhanced from an enrichment programme. Although the identified children initially functioned at higher levels on all the scales the individual results differed, On the Renzulli Rating Scale all children were seen to benefit, with greater improvements in the 'average' group, equalizing the two groups.Polt-test results of the Renzulli Rating Scale - measuring task commitment, creativity and motivation - and the Torrance measure of creativity indicated that both groups benefited significantly from the enrichment programme. On the scale of self-awareness the iden1tified group showed greater benefits. It was concluded that a multi-dimensional approach to assessing and understanding children's abilities is useful and recommended. In addition, talent must be understood as a dynamic concept that exists in varying degrees in different individuals and one that is capable of change at any stage of development. Evaluation of this programme can provide educators with an incentive and opportunity for planning developing and improving educational programmes that have a broader range of emphasis than the current school curriculum. The relevance of this study for educators and possible directions for future research are discussed.