Support for Learning is a key part of our support structures and aims to support all students whatever their level of need. This includes the most able, giving them opportunities to enhance their learning and skills. Students who have specific learning difficulties such as dyslexia or dyspraxia for example, are taught in classes with additional support teachers available. Students with significant needs are a feature of all mainstream schools and additional support for such students is offered by the Education Authority in the form of Support for Learning Assistant (SLA's) or teaching staff.
Support for Learning staff have the remit of supporting staff and students so that as many students as possible can rreach their potential. Support for Learning teachers are involved in helping all children, stretching the very able and ensuring that the less able can learn successfully. They work with individual children, small groups or full classes.
Support for Learning staff play an advisory role in the writing and development of courses, in collaboration with subject teachers, to provide a suitable level of work for the whole range of ability. This affects not only the content of courses, but also the teaching approaches most suited to given situations.
Occasionally, pupils may be extracted from classes to receive individual support in the Learning Support Base.