Learning Support
The Learning Support Department provides specific and structured support primarily for those pupils with a Specific Learning Difficulty, such as Dyslexia. Our aim is to provide all our students with the best possible teaching and support in the areas of literacy, numeracy and study skills; we strive to enable them to access the curriculum and achieve their true potential.
Welcome
Staff
Overview
Facilities
In the Classroom
Beyond the Classroom
Mrs Sue Akers
The Learning Support Department continues to be inspired by the words of previous Headmaster George Kingsnorth: ‘Let a person find something he can do well and his confidence grows in everything. But keep harping on weaknesses and the opposite happens’. At Shebbear College we try hard to support our pupils in every possible way. We are small enough to be able to individualise the nature of the support we give and large enough to be able to deliver that support as and when it is required.
Department Staff
- Mrs Sue Akers (Head of Learning Support)
- Mrs Di Jones (Junior School)
- Support Staff:
- Mrs Kim Franklin
- Mrs Su Burberry
- Mrs Sara Chappell
- Mrs Karen Clarke
- Mr Matthew Akers
- Junior School Support Staff:
- Mrs L Kirby
- Mrs S Willis-Butcher
Department Overview
The Learning Support Department can be divided into two main sections: Junior and Senior School, both of which are overseen by Mrs S Akers. In both the Junior and the Senior school pupils are supported in a variety of ways; Learning Support assistants may work alongside pupils in class, pupils are sometimes withdrawn in small groups and there is also opportunity for some individual work.
For some Senior School pupils there is the option of attending Learning Support instead of pursuing a modern language; this invaluable time can ensure that pupils are given the support and opportunity to improve their literacy skills and strengthen their performance across other subject areas. Individual Education Plans (IEPs) are overseen by the Learning Support Department and are produced twice a year, enabling pupils, parents and staff to build on progress made and celebrate pupils’ successes. New, achievable targets are then set to ensure future progress is consistently assured.
Both the Junior and Senior departments use a highly structured reading scheme called ‘Toe by Toe’ and ‘Stride Ahead’ to help struggling readers, and ‘Power of 2’ to reinforce mathematical concepts.
Facilities
The Junior School uses Word and Number shark; a widely acknowledged, integrated learning system that is available for all pupils. It uses multi-sensory teaching methods to promote over-learning of reading, spelling and mathematics. The Oxford Reading Tree scheme is used to support and encourage pupils to develop their reading skills, so that they become confident, independent readers. The Learning Support room in the Junior school is also the base for small-group or individual work and there is a variety of resources available to support the children with their numeracy and literacy skills.
In the Classroom
In the Senior School students attending Learning Support make regular use of a variety of resources to support and improve their literacy and numeracy skills. Mind-mapping software such as Inspiration and Mind Manager is also available to aid pupils in their planning and organisation of assignments. The Department strongly believes in the teaching of study skills, revision and examination technique.
The Learning Support Department provides small group sessions which focus on developing literacy, numeracy and study skills in the support of all curriculum areas. All pupils have a personalised Individual Teaching Programme specifically designed to meet their individual learning needs. Pupils are actively encouraged to take responsibility for their own learning and to develop successful learning strategies.
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Beyond the Classroom
Further to timetabled sessions, the Learning Support room is open to any pupil requiring support with their academic study or advice regarding study skills, revision strategies, examination technique or even coursework. Learning Support teachers are also an important point of contact for any member of staff with concerns regarding a pupil’s learning or general progress. The Learning Support Department is also responsible for training staff in Dyslexic-Friendly Teaching Methods; teachers and support staff receive regular advice and guidance in how to recognise and assist pupils experiencing learning difficulties; pupils’ IEPs form the basis of this monitoring of progress.
