Our Learning Enhancement Department help pupils to gain the skills they need to achieve their potential across all areas of school life. We encourage pupils to become confident, independent learners whilst recognising that every child has a preferred learning style.
As a school we aim to provide an inclusive, stimulating and safe environment which will enhance the learning of all pupils and help them achieve, to their full potential, in all areas including their development of knowledge, skills and understanding to equip them for the next phase of their education, employment or training. By doing this we hope to raise the aspirations and expectations of all pupils, especially those with SEN and/or disabilities.
The Learning Enhancement Department is staffed by Mrs Sophie Arkinstall-Doyle, SENCO, two Learning Support Specialists and Learning Support Assistants (LSAs).
We work closely with subject teachers to support specific areas pupils are struggling with, and in-class personalised help is offered by LSAs across all teaching faculties. Some pupils are taught 1:1 or in small groups within the department. These targeted, bespoke, individually planned lessons incur an extra charge. For more information, please visit link here.
Within the department we have two dedicated teaching spaces for small group lessons and a snug for pupils to take time out and sensory breaks.
Small Group sessions
In Key Stage 3, support is based on underlying skills, Mathematics and Literacy, whilst at GCSE the focus is on exam-based skills supporting exam technique, revision strategies and organisation. Other support offered includes social skills, self-help and emotional regulation, which takes place in close collaboration with the school wellbeing and pastoral teams.
Learning Enhancement Lessons Overview
Learning Support Lessons are delivered by Learning Support Specialists in small groups and are subject to additional charges. Bespoke lessons are planned targeting pupils’ specific needs.
Academic Lessons are not subject to additional charges and are taught by the Maths and English faculties. Additionally, consolidation lessons are offered by Learning Support Specialists to support pupils with homework, coursework and revision for their GCSE subjects.
We regularly monitor the progress of all pupils, and where necessary will liaise with parents/ guardians should further assessments be required. We follow the JCQ criteria for exam access arrangements and screening at GCSE and A-Level is carried out by our school’s named assessor. Requests for an exam access arrangement assessment should be directed to the Head of Learning Enhancement.
It is important that any assessments or diagnoses are sought in collaboration with the school, and any previous assessments are disclosed on entry. This enables us to ensure any specific advice or recommendations are circulated to all teachers involved in teaching the pupil, and any exam access arrangements are put in place early to ensure we can evidence normal way of working. This is an essential part of the evidence required and there are strict rules about access arrangements which must be adhered to. If you have a query concerning an external assessment of any kind, please liaise with Mrs Arkinstall-Doyle in the first instance.
If you wish to receive more information about the Learning Enhancement Department, please telephone the school on 01233 625171 and ask to speak to Mrs Arkinstall-Doyle.
Our admissions procedure is conducted on a fair and non-discriminatory basis. The school’s policy on the provision for students with SEND can be found here.