Learning Support

Learning Support

Mrs K Siddle - Head of Learning Support

I liaise closely with the Boys' Junior School and other Primary Schools to ensure continuity of support and provision for those boys who encounter learning difficulties - whether on a temporary or longer term basis.

Boys may have been diagnosed in their Junior School as having Dyslexia, ADHD, Dyspraxia, Visual or Hearing impairment, Speech and Language difficulty or as being on the Autistic Spectrum. Their learning is then supported either through in-class support or withdrawal from lesson.

Lower School

Spelling, reading and handwriting difficulties are addressed and the programmes of study are reading age appropriate. It is very important to build relationships and thereby develop self-esteem.

In addition, strategies to develop personal organisation, short - term memory and the ability to sequence information effectively are employed.

The BBCSkillswise website provides an extensive range of activities to develop Literacy and Numeracy and complements learning and the acquisition of skills.

Middle School

Mentoring and monitoring are vital components here as boys move towards GCSE. Some will continue to require support with reading and spelling. Most will require support with personal organisation, target setting and meeting Coursework deadlines. Some drop a subject and value extra study time. Many require guidance with revision and Study skills.

Sixth Form

At this stage boys may require help in completing Personal Statements, advice regarding UCAS forms or simply some help with personal organisation during the transition to A Level. Study Skills and Revision strategies are vital here.

In addition I have introduced a test to ascertain a pupil's leanings to various styles of learning. I would also like to test the readability of the textbooks in School!

The objectives of this Department are:

To address the needs of the whole child.
To develop self-esteem through the use of successful learning strategies.
To develop ‘on task' behaviour via improved academic ability.
To provide smooth transition through school.

Karen Siddle - September 2007