Academic - Learning Support

The Learning Support Department enables pupils with specific learning difficulties such as dyslexia and dyscalculia to have extra lessons with a qualified specialist teacher.  Other pupils who do not have specific learning difficulties, may also wish to benefit from some extra assistance with their school work.  

Pupils can thus be taught on the premises in and out of school time.  Pupils with specific learning difficulties follow individualised, structured, cumulative, multi-sensory programmes.  These programmes are set out in individual education plans (IEPs)   Computer software, eg ‘Wordshark’, ‘Numbershark’ and ‘Inspiration’, is frequently used in lessons.

The Learning Support teacher liaises with the subject and class teachers in order that the particular needs of pupils can be addressed.  Mainstream teachers receive support and training to help them effectively cater for pupils with special needs.  It is recognised that the difficulties of many dyslexic pupils frequently extend beyond the boundaries of the academic curriculum and into the realms of weak organisation, poor memory, poor concentration and low self-esteem.  St. David’s teachers aim to support these needs.  The school also appreciates that pupils with specific learning difficulties are often able pupils who are frequently endowed with creative, imaginative or sporting abilities.

Screening procedures are used to identify possible pupils with learning difficulties and pupils can also be referred for more detailed assessments.  Any reports from educational psychologists or other external agencies are utilised to pinpoint the needs of pupils and the school action required.

Systems are in place for the application of access arrangements for public examinations for those pupils who would otherwise be disadvantaged.

Care is taken in the time tabling of learning support lessons to ensure that the pupil has maximum access to the school’s curriculum and the pupil’s/parents wishes are also taken into account; lesson times are only finalised after consultation with the pupils.  The school operates an inclusive policy towards those with special educational needs and the involvement of both the pupils and their parents is encouraged.  St. David’s Learning Support Department is happy to be approached in relation to any parental queries. Parents of dyslexic pupils may also find the following website useful:  www.dyslexia-parent.com.