The Learning Support programme is available to students who may be experiencing difficulty in some aspect of their learning and require additional assistance.
Students with learning difficulties are nurtured, supported and encouraged to develop their skills and their individual strengths. Our guiding principle is that every child has the right to fulfil her potential. For some children, difficulties with learning may be transient and can be managed with additional teaching and support time. Other girls may be challenged throughout their school years. In all instances, we develop innovative, effective programmes to help each student to participate in the classroom as an active and engaged learner.
In Year 8, students can attend classes in the Learning Support Unit for three periods per cycle. If students take this option they do not study a language. In Years 9 and 10, students can choose to give up an elective subject in order to receive additional assistance in Learning Support.
Before school classes are available for students for girls to work on an intensive spelling programme. Low student teacher ratio ensures that each girl will have an opportunity to work individually with a teacher.
The learning programme is underpinned by the following philosophy
- systematic explicit instruction
- a framework that provides a measure of independence but at the same time supports the learner
- specifically targeting a student's weakness and providing appropriate strategies to address learning requirements
- ensuring that students achieve success by being placed on appropriate level of work, thus increasing self-esteem and confidence
- regular feedback on work and re-teaching of tasks if necessary.
Assisting students with learning difficulties is a whole school effort. Learning Support staff, classroom teachers and counsellors work closely with parents and their daughter to build her confidence, independence and competence.