The Learning Support Department works in partnership with the mainstream academic departments to address the specific learning difficulties of approximately 10% of the senior school roll.

The school follows the guidelines set out in the Code of Practice for SEN (DfES, 2001) and identification, assessment and provision procedures are in place to support this process.

The Department offers guidance, support and tuition to pupils who have difficulties in demonstrating their ability in areas of the curriculum, as a result of a range of specific difficulties including dyslexia, dyspraxia and dyscalculia.

Learning Support staff liaise closely with mainstream teaching staff through sharing information (IEP’s, SEN Register, Individual Pupil Learning Profiles) available on the school database. In addition, review meetings take place to ensure progress is maintained.

Whole school staff training is given a priority to ensure all staff are aware of current issues within the field of SEN.

The Learning Support Department is based in Weymouth house. 4 designated teaching rooms and a specialist resource area ensure pupils thrive within an encouraging, inspiring and supportive atmosphere to achieve their full potential. A study skills room offers pupils the opportunity to further enhance their skills through the use of a selection of curriculum materials and specialist computer software programmes.

We offer structured teaching programmes and support to pupils, generally of average ability and above, who have a variety of specific learning difficulties. Specialist teaching programmes are delivered instead of French lessons in most cases, although depending on staffing availability, lessons can be arranged at an alternative time.
Once a referral is made students are assessed and monitored by the Department staff during their time at the school. The Department Staff recommend a suitable timetable for each pupil, which may suggest teaching on an individual basis or in a small group for a minimum of one and a maximum of five sessions a week.

For pupils attending lessons in the Department an individual learning programme is designed to specifically address pupil needs, with targets formulated with the pupil. Regular reviews follow through an IEP. There is an additional termly charge for this specialist tuition. Student learning programmes are supported using a variety of materials that enhance pupil involvement and enjoyment, addressing individual preferred learning styles. In some cases it may be appropriate for pupils to be supported within the classroom. Learning Support Assistants work alongside pupils under the direction of the teaching staff in a wide variety of curriculum subjects. There is no charge for this general support. Students who are not receiving lessons on a withdrawal basis are monitored by the department staff through discussion with tutors, reviews of the student’s academic grade cards and reports, and the observations of teachers and Learning Support Assistants.