Special Needs

The College ethos reflects the inclusion agenda and aims to meet the needs of all of its pupils, including those with disabilities. Disabled access is available in most buildings and in most subject areas.

The Department is led by the Special Educational Needs Coordinator (SENCO).

A team of well-qualified Teaching Assistants (TAs) works closely with subject teachers to plan the most effective use of TAs’ time and skills in the classroom. They also offer support to pupils in specific skill areas outside the classroom.

The department offers Literacy Progress Units to allow those pupils whose literacy skills are weak to catch up with their peers. Its staff also manages a programme of paired reading, where senior pupils read with less confident readers before the start of the school day.

The Department introduced and continues to support the Hear2Help group. This is a team of Year 10 pupils who are trained to support younger pupils to form positive relationships with their peers and to help them to resolve any friendship problems they experience in their early years of secondary school.

The Special Needs Department operates from a very vibrant Student Centre, which offers a range of lunchtime opportunities, such as a Homework Club and a thriving Chess Club.