Learning Support

In the Learning Support Department we aim to provide for a wide variety of needs, ranging from Specific Learning Difficulties to general homework support. The department consists of a SENCo, a Learning Support Manager, a Dyslexia/Literacy Intervention Co-ordinator, a SEN Administrator and Teaching Assistants (TAs), who work with students in class, in small groups or on a 1:1 basis.  All TAs are attached to a Year Group and linked to a faculty.

In-class support

All students on the college Special Educational Needs (SEN) Register have varying levels of support dictated by their individual needs. Some students may be withdrawn from class for small group or 1:1 support.

Literacy Intervention Groups

Literacy groups are offered to students in years 7 and 8, who require some extra input with reading and spelling, in order to help them access the wider curriculum. These groups usually consist of up to six students, who are working at a similar level. Lessons are planned to take into account each students learning style and include a wide variety of activities aimed at improving literacy and confidence.

Social Use of Language Groups (SULP) and Thinking Skills Groups

Social development can be particularly vulnerable in young people with a history of developmental language disorder. The key objective of SULP is to provide a cohesive framework within which to assess and develop interpersonal and social abilities, from a communication and thinking skills perspective.  These groups are made available to students in years 7, 8 and 9.

One-to-One Intervention

This involves students being withdrawn for ten sessions on a 1:1 basis, for focused teaching in Maths and/or English.

Mentoring

Some SEN students require a named TA to check on them daily, usually during morning registration, for as long as is required. These TAs are also available at allotted times throughout the school day and students are encouraged to go and find their named TA at these times if they are feeling vulnerable.

Flexible Learning

Flexible Learning is available to Year 10 and 11 students to enable them to receive help with homework, planning coursework, literacy and numeracy, amongst other things.

The Learning Support Centre (LSC)

Homework Club takes place here every lunch time and is an opportunity for SEN students to receive help with homework from TAs.  The LSC is also a quiet place available during lunchtime for vulnerable students to meet, play board games and socialise.  During the school day the LSC is also used by SEN students when they are finding it difficult to cope in a classroom situation, for example students on the Autistic Spectrum.