Additional Support for Learning

A Broad Spectrum of Support

One of the primary aims of St Margaret’s School is to ensure that every pupil achieves her full potential. Additional support exists to help class teachers and pupils achieve this aim because it is recognized that any pupils, including the most able, may be challenged in their learning at some time during their school career.

Support for Learning Staff and Services

St Margaret’s offers a wide level of additional support, with the pupils’ needs at the centre. Mrs Williamson co-ordinates support throughout the school. She is a fully trained specialist, highly experienced in teaching at both Junior and Senior levels. Mrs Scott provides social and emotional learning support and brings diversity to her teaching through her music and drama training. Mrs Norval, who teaches in the PE Department, supports motor-skill development through her specialist PE training.

Peace of Mind When You Need It

Most concerns can be dealt with quickly if they are identified at an early stage. Early intervention and support in the form of advice and assistance from the class or subject teacher are usually highly effective in helping pupils gain the confidence to overcome any short term learning obstacles. These might be due to a move to a new school, lack of confidence when meeting new concepts in learning or catching up on work missed through absence.

Paired Reading

The Support for Learning department runs a very successful paired reading scheme. This involves recruiting volunteers from III Senior up to VI senior who team up with younger pupils from the Junior Department to read on a daily basis. The senior volunteers are trained in specific reading techniques before working in their own free time with the younger girls.

Paired Reading is a scheme run by the Support for Learning Department. It embraces the core principles of Curriculum for Excellence. Senior girls become responsible citizens by volunteering their time to help Juniors develop their reading skills. The Support for Learning Department provides training and the Senior girls' contributions help Juniors become successful learners. It is rewarding to see all the participants grow in confidence.

“I didn’t enjoy reading until I started paired-reading; it’s so much fun!” Joanna (5 Junior)

Role of the Department

St Margaret’s is fortunate in being able to offer continued assistance for girls from Junior classes right through to Senior school level. There are many ways in which Support for Learning staff contribute to the success of each individual pupil’s performance. These include:

• Identifying specific learning difficulties using recognised diagnostic assessments, consulting with staff and parents on the nature of different learning difficulties and liaising with outside agencies where appropriate
• Advising on strategies both in class and at home to help overcome problems
• Devising and delivering individual programmes of support for pupils
• Advising on accelerated learning strategies for more able pupils
• Advising on examination provision available for pupils with noted learning difficulties
• Supporting study skills

Further Levels of Support

St Margaret’s operates an open door approach to support and maintains good links with external support agencies. Pupils for whom English is an additional language may also receive extra tuition. Additionally, staff demonstrate great commitment to the girls, constantly seeking to bring out their best qualities.

Enquire

The national advice and information service for additional support for learning.

Tel: 0845 123 2303

email: This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it web: www.enquire.org.uk