LEARNING SUPPORT

The Learning Support Department provides support and additional teaching for those pupils who need a little extra to allow them to achieve to the best of their abilities. This may mean additional teaching to support their dyslexia, or their use of English, or even just their organisational skills. The degree of support offered varies according to the needs of the individual pupil which will change over time. Most pupils have mild, rather than moderate or severe, needs although each case is judged on its own merits.

The Department provides teaching Staff with regular updates on the progress of those it is supporting so that they receive appropriate support in all lessons. This support is not 'bolt on' but instead is an integral part of everyday practice. The School has Staff qualified to arrange Access Arrangements of Public Examinations.

We are proud of our tradition of being an 'inclusive' institution - we were one long before the term itself became current in the educational world. We recognise the wealth of potential pupils with such learning needs have if supported and encouraged in the right way.

More Details on Learning Support

Learning support is integral to the life of More House School. As a small school, we strive to aid each pupil in achieving her maximum potential. Whether the special needs provision comes through adapted teaching in the classroom, small group interventions, regular meetings to help pupils stay on track, or via weekly one-to-one tuition sessions with the Learning Support Coordinator or a subject specific teacher, pupils in need are offered a variety of resources to develop the skills and habits needed to overcome and succeed in spite of their personal difficulties. Support provision may be a temporary measure or a long term arrangement, but is always given with the intention that pupils develop skills to succeed independently of support within the classroom. It is our aim that girls become confident in their own skills and style of learning and that they adopt strategies to aid their independence.

We have on the staff a dedicated English as an Additional Language teacher, a Learning Support Coordinator who works with pupils who have diagnosed learning needs, and an SpLD trained Headmaster who considers Special Needs on a whole school spectrum. Teachers at More House are keen to support the learning of students who struggle and regularly organise extra tuition sessions with their weakest pupils. This tuition is usually over and above any organised support session they have with the Special Needs Department. Most girls, including those with dyslexia, will not necessarily need to access these services, as teachers adapt and differentiate for the particular needs, strengths and weaknesses they encounter within the classroom setting.

Learning Support is more than simply developing a foundation in literacy or numeracy, but also includes personal organisation, target setting and monitoring, homework strategies and study skills. In order to ensure that pupils receive the help needed, we are engaged in whole school screening, and regular monitoring of pupils' progress.