Learning Support
Four specialist teachers are available to support the literacy development of students with Learning Difficulties/Disabilities (LDD). There is also a specialist teacher for students experiencing specific problems with numeracy. However, any student who would like some extra help with his/her studies, is welcome to book support lessons. Other areas of interest include memory strategies, thinking skills, counselling, stress management, self-esteem, performance-coaching and neuro-cognitive approaches to learning difficulties.
Teaching programmes are developed to meet the individual needs of pupils and whole-school strategies are organised through the use of Individual Education Plans (IEPs). A Learning Support Assistant (LSA) is also available to help students in their curriculum lessons. Parental support is welcomed and parents are invited to join a Parents' Group which meets on an informal basis to discuss LDD issues at the College.
Work with LDD students is reinforced by a Study Support Team which meets regularly to monitor the progress of all the students on the college's Learning Support Registers. Also, reading programmes are backed up by the School Librarian and students with specific learning difficulties have access to differentiated texts designed to improve their reading skills.
A school-based identification and assessment of special needs is in place and appropriate Access Arrangements are set up for LDD students when it comes to both internal and external examinations. The department uses criterion orientated testing to establish specific teaching programmes linked to the curriculum hierarchy, further cognitive assessments are undertaken by Consultant Educational Psychologists who visit the school on request.
The department's approach to learning difficulties continues to be sensitive, unobtrusive and flexible. Learning support is particularly effective for students with a positive attitude. Emphasis is placed on helping individual students achieve their potential and pupils with leaning difficulties are encouraged to meet the challenge of the full college curriculum.