Learning Support

The College welcomes all students with a disability or learning support need.

Our principal objective is to enable all students to access the College curriculum. In some cases this will mean making special provision for students.

The Learning Support Team will support students and staff by seeking to ensure that appropriate provision is made. This could include supplying staff, equipment and information on particular difficulties and disabilities.

Referrals

Students are encouraged to self-refer. They may also be referred by Tutors.

Assessments

The College is able to assess students internally. Our Assessments’ Manager, Cheryl Rich, is a full-time member of Staff. Her Reports provide suggestions for useful ways of working with students, a diagnosis of disability and recommendations for Special Exam Arrangements (now known as Access Arrangements) when appropriate.

Study Plus Classes: one-to-one

These classes are open to all students and are tailored to meet the individual’s needs. Areas which might be covered include:

  • Essay writing
  • Exam techniques and revision skills
  • Prioritising and organising your work
  • Literacy skills
  • Research skills
  • Proof-reading
  • General guidance and support

ESOL

All students for whom English is a second or third language have the opportunity to take up a 1:1 and/or small group class.

Personal Tutors will let students know when and where they will meet Laurette at the beginning of the Autumn term.

Other Provision

Includes: note-takers, learning support assistants, communicators, dictaphones, laptops, software as appropriate, AlphaSmarts, lift passes, large print books, photocopying cards.

Special exam arrangements (now known as Access Arrangements)

These include: coloured exam papers, modified and /or enlarged exam papers, use of coloured overlays, practical assistants, communicators, scribes, readers, transcriptions, separate rooming, extra time, timed breaks and special seating.

Visual Impairment

There is range of provision available including:

  • Laptops with Zoomtext installed. This software includes a screen magnifier and reader. See Ai Squared website for details.
  • Texts can be enlarged and copied onto coloured paper
  • Searches are made for large print books and audio tapes
  • Students are encouraged to come for pre-enrolment visits to familiarise themselves with the building
  • CCTV equipment is available. This includes a text magnifier and split screen facility
  • Exam papers: modified large print papers can be ordered

Mears-Irlen syndrome ( use of coloured overlays)

Students can be tested to see if they would benefit from using coloured overlays, which will be provided if necessary

Hearing Impairment

  • When required communicators are available to work with students
  • Deaf Awareness training is provided for staff
  • In-class note-takers are available
  • Teachers of the Deaf have regular meetings with learners

Dyslexia

The College offers one-to-one Study Plus classes which students with dyslexia may wish to take up.

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