Supporting every pupil to thrive
At St George’s, we recognise that every pupil learns differently. Our Learning Support Department works closely with pupils, teachers and families to understand individual learning needs and provide the right support at the right time.
We celebrate neurodiversity and recognise the strengths that every pupil brings to our community. Whether a pupil needs additional support with a specific area of learning, help developing effective study strategies or specialist one-to-one support, our aim is to give them the tools, confidence and independence to thrive.
Understanding every learner
We take time to understand each pupil as an individual, identifying both their strengths and areas where they may benefit from additional support.
Where appropriate, pupils have a Learning Support Pupil Profile, which outlines their individual strengths, areas of difficulty and recommended strategies. This helps teachers understand how each pupil learns best and ensures that appropriate support is embedded within everyday classroom practice.
Our approach also recognises that pupils with specific learning needs can have considerable academic strengths and talents. We work with teachers to ensure that support is designed to remove barriers to learning while continuing to provide appropriate challenge.
Support in the classroom
Learning Support works closely with teaching staff to make sure pupils have the strategies and resources they need to access the curriculum confidently.
Teachers receive regular training in supporting pupils with specific learning difficulties and use a range of approaches to respond to different learning needs.
Technology also plays an important role. Pupils can make use of tools such as voice-to-text and text-to-speech software, while Dragonfly, our virtual learning environment, helps pupils organise and access their schoolwork.
Specialist support
For pupils who would benefit from more targeted support, we have a strong partnership with the Helen Arkell Centre.
Specialist teachers provide one-to-one support sessions for a number of pupils, helping them develop strategies that can be applied both in their specialist sessions and across their wider school life. These sessions take place in welcoming, purpose-built rooms in the Luker Building.
Developing confident, independent learners
Learning Support is not simply about helping pupils overcome challenges in the classroom. We want pupils to develop an understanding of how they learn best and the confidence to use effective strategies independently.
Our study skills programme introduces pupils to techniques for organisation, memorisation and revision. The programme begins in the first year and is revisited during the GCSE years, helping pupils develop skills that will support them throughout their education.
Working together
The strongest support comes from working in partnership. Our Learning Support team works closely with pupils, teachers and families to understand individual needs and review the strategies that are most effective.
Our aim is always to help pupils become increasingly confident and independent learners, equipped to make the most of the opportunities available to them at St George’s.
A supportive environment for every pupil
Our Learning Support Department is part of St George’s wider commitment to knowing each pupil as an individual. Through close relationships, specialist expertise and a culture that values different ways of learning, we help pupils recognise their strengths and achieve their potential.
If you would like to find out more about Learning Support or discuss whether St George’s could be the right fit for your child, please contact Emma Shingles, Head of Learning Support.