Harvard psychologist Howard Gardner (left) has described nine kinds of intelligence. Only two - logical and linguistic - are measured in IQ tests and taught in traditional schools.

The rest, he says, are ignored, to the detriment of many able students. Gardner's theory is used as a framework for the Irish Transition Year programme. It may have further implications for our education system in light of recent claims by the NCCA that the Leaving Cert is not meeting the needs of some 40 per cent of teenagers.

Linguistic Sensitivity to meaning, rhythm and order of words.

Logical-mathematical Ability in mathematics and other complex problem solving systems.

Musical The ability to understand and create music.

Spatial The ability to "think in pictures," to process the visual world accurately, and recreate abstractly or on paper.

Bodily-kinesthetic Ability to use one's body confidently for self-expression or toward a goal such as sport, dance or manual skill.

Interpersonal Ability to "read" and relate to other individuals and their moods and motivations.

Intrapersonal Capacity for self- reflection, understanding one's own emotions and motivations.

Naturalist Ability to classify plants, minerals, and animals. Ability to recognise cultural artefacts, such as cars, may also depend on this.

Existentialist Gardner is considering adding this to the list. Describes the capacity to engage with universal questions - what is love, what is death, why do people kill, etc.