Learning Support
A recent DCSF funded survey has brought to light the fact that over 2 million children have dyslexic-type learning difficulties. These difficulties can manifest themselves in problems with reading, short-term memory, sequencing, phonetics and producing structured written output. The dyslexia spectrum includes dyspraxia, dysgraphia, dyscalculia, ADHD and ADD and can be termed ‘Specific Learning Difficulties’. Specific Learning Difficulties do not affect everyone in the same way. Some may have trouble reading but not writing, some may have the reverse while others may struggle with short term memory, organisation or information processing.
ETHOS:
We are aware that all the boys at Arnold House School learn in different ways and progress at different rates. We feel it is our duty to be able to provide for and respond to the varied needs of all our boys, including those that are achieving above the level expected and those that are achieving below the level expected.
AIMS:
Teachers at Arnold House School are expected to identify and respond to a range of diverse learning needs and boys are expected to do the best that they can. There is an awareness amongst all teachers of what boys should be able to achieve, together with a range of response strategies which are employed when targets are not met such as: differentiated work, an Individual Education Programme, one-to-one tutoring with a specialist teacher, in class support or small group work with a Teaching Assistant of member of the teaching staff.
The aims and objectives of the Learning Support Department are:
• A child with Specific Learning Difficulties should have their needs met.
• The views of the pupil should be sought and taken into account.
• Parents have a vital role in supporting their child’s education.
• Children with Specific Learning Difficulties should be offered full access to a broad, balanced and relevant education
• All children, whether or not they have a Specific Learning Difficulty, should have access to a broad and balanced curriculum which is differentiated to meet their individual needs.
The Learning Support Department is a growing part of the school and is an entitlement of all boys. It plays an integral role in the whole school ethos to ensure that all our boys reach their full potential.
Kate Coveney
Head of Learning Support