Learning Support
The Learning Support Department provides high quality specialist teaching and support, enabling pupils to:
- Gain access to the mainstream curriculum by improving their literacy or mathematical skills
- Record their knowledge and understanding of the curriculum
- Become independent learners
Pupils attending the Learning Support Department over the years have, in many cases enjoyed good examination results.
As part of the process staff in the department listen to the pupils and act as advocates for individuals in terms of their relationships with teaching staff and other pupils. The department forms a strong part of the pastoral system and reflects the caring ethos for which Sidcot School is famous.
All pupils enrolled in the department have an Individual Education Plan that is regularly reviewed, updated and sent to teaching staff. All staff are therefore aware of the strengths, learning style and difficulties of each pupil. The IEP contains information, based on Educational Psychologists’ recommendations, which provide classroom strategies to enhance learning.
Most of the pupils referred to the department have been identified as having specific learning difficulties such as Dyslexia or Dyscalculia.
Senior School
Lessons in the Senior School are offered on a one-to-one basis and the number of lessons is agreed with parents and pupils, based on the level of support required. Lesson times are negotiated to take into account individual pupils’ preferences wherever possible.
Junior School
For pupils with Special Education Needs there are individual sessions or group session with a specialist Maths teacher and a Teaching Assistant for literacy. Pupils are withdrawn for extra lessons at appropriate times. There is extra cost involved for these lessons.
GCSE / A level support
Pupils attending the Learning Support Department over the years have always valued the support they receive and the confidence they develop. When it comes to GCSE and A levels, teaching staff can request special examination arrangements on behalf of individual pupils.
