Learning Support

The Learning Support Department had a very successful year. The team worked closely with class teachers to ensure the students in the programmes obtained the necessary skills and knowledge to close deficits and to reach their potential. Intevention programmes were implemented to meet the specific needs of students on the register. The specialist services of professionals were beneficial to the students, and we appreciated their input. because of their strong research-based credentials.

The tier system provided an appropriate method for the allocation of resources for each individual or group. The communication between learning support staff, private tutors, specialists, parents, class teachers, and specialist teaching staff ensured the right resourcing was in place. Collaboration with team members is essential and continued during 2019.

The diversity of needs continued; students with dyslexia, dyspraxia, dyscalculia, behavioural needs, and those with social communication disorders deserve to be understood and their needs catered for. Over 70 students were placed in programmes to support their learning. Programmes included Literacy, Reading, Spelling, Writing, Numeracy, Social and Emotional, personal and behavioural development. Resources used were selected Learning Support worked collaboratively during the year with educational psychologists, Special Education Services, Department of Health, Hearing Impaired Association, Speech Language Therapist, Specific Learning Difference teachers, parents, and the College counsellors to identify individual student needs, and to ensure learning goals and outcomes were the most appropriate for everyone. We appreciated the expert support and guidance of the College counsellors and

the wonderful support they provided to our students.

Intervention programmes were mostly academic remediation, but personal self-management and social skills were also taught along with strategies to cope with anxiety and stress.

It was a highlight to have co-facilitated the Travellers Programme for Resilience and Well-being during 2019. Two groups of Year 7 students completed the programme and a Year 8 group continued to meet throughout the year. The group started with 10 students and this quickly increased to 12. In Term 4, the two Year 7 groups combined and continued to meet regularly. Head of Learning Support regularly attended the Pastoral Care meetings with the aim of strengthening and promoting the emotional well-being of the students. Most of our students require a holistic approach to their learning.

The services of Socially Speaking continued to support students with social communication requirements. In 2019 we continued to enlist the support of a behavioural specialist to assist some students to develop selfregulation and self-management skills. and individual lessons enabled success with personal goals. It was exciting to have included some life skills and creative activities to support learning.

Department staff met weekly for support and professional development. The topics covered included knowledge of selected programmes, assessments, and how to plan relevant and achievable goals. Electronic reading programmes were used, which supported class reading programmes.

The Head of Learning Support attended the Christchurch Independent Schools’ Support Group meeting during the year. This was both valuable and motivating.

The department aims to continue to use the best researched resources and teaching methods for our students, and to provide them with every chance to reach their potential and experience success.

2020 will bring many new and exciting developments to enhance learning opportunities for our students. It is with anticipation that we look forward to implementing some new initiatives and continue to provide very personal programmes to meet individual needs.

For three students, an across curriculum IEP (Individual Learning Plan) was implemented. The modification of class programmes