Learning Support
Abbotsholme School is committed to a holistic approach to education, recognising the importance of providing pupils with a solid foundation for their future.
This philosophy extends to addressing specific learning differences, ensuring that all pupils are fully integrated into daily life and lessons. Our staff are attentive to the individual needs and challenges of each pupil, making appropriate allowances as necessary. Our Learning Support department offers small group support for any pupil with special educational needs, aiming to help them realise their full potential, whether they face challenges such as dyslexia, dyscalculia, dyspraxia, or other specific learning differences.
The department places a strong emphasis on literacy, as it is fundamental to learning across all subjects. Our teaching strategies utilise a highly structured, sequential, multi-sensory programme delivered by trained specialists in a well-resourced environment.
Specialised lessons are integrated into the regular school day, with the possibility of withdrawing pupils from French and/or Spanish classes in Key Stage 3. Where possible, younger pupils are scheduled for their sessions earlier in the school day when they are most receptive. Teaching in small groups promotes peer interaction, fosters group dynamics, and introduces a healthy element of competition, while providing a sense of community and security. Individual support is also available for pupils facing particular difficulties, whether they need to build confidence or require more subject-specific assistance.
On occasions, planned lessons will be set aside to in order to help with or solve a crisis that hinders a pupils’ ability to learn. We believe that the Learning Support department and its dedicated team are a refuge during stressful times, and play a crucial role in enhancing a child’s self-confidence.
Our aim of the department is to cultivate pupils’ skills across all areas of life, teaching them to integrate these skills and develop the ability to learn independently, thereby enabling each pupil to reach their potential.
Our structured programme aims to teach the following:
- Literacy skills: language, memory, and handwriting
- Basic mathematical skills
- Organisational skills: personal and academic, fostering strategies for independent learning while enhancing self-image and self-belief.
By focusing on these areas, we encourage pupils to think critically and apply these skills across various aspects of life.
The ultimate objective of the department is to help pupils achieve their fullest potential. To do this, each pupil receives a highly structured, multi-sensory programme tailored to their individual needs. This pupil-directed approach emphasises that success results from their own efforts and practice. We believe that learning should be an active process, and as pupils advance through the school, greater emphasis is placed on developing organisational skills and examination techniques.