The Learning Support Department supports the learning of students who are facing some difficulties. The Department consists of a coordinator, a literacy/special education teacher and a teacher aide.
The support available falls into three categories.
1. Students who require support in literacy
In Year 9, students who are having difficulties with literacy are invited to take ‘Integrated Studies’ as an option subject. This programme is designed to support students’ English classes and also to help them with the language demands across the curriculum. Their other option subject would normally be History, where in some classes there is a literacy emphasis.
In Year 10, students who are continuing to have literacy issues are invited to take a Literacy course instead of the standard English course.
In the senior school, departments often offer alternative courses which allow low literacy students to achieve.
2. Students with special difficulties
Students in this category experience some special difficulties because of conditions such as Aspergers Syndrome, Tourettes Syndrome etc. These students do not attract any funding. They are fully mainstreamed and are supported by the special education teacher and in some cases also receive teacher aide support.
3. Dyslexia
Wellington College recognises that dyslexia and other learning differences can have a significant impact on school life. Our school is committed to addressing this, and we are registered as part of the Dyslexia Foundation’s 4D I For Dyslexia programme which enables schools to make meaningful changes to help dyslexic students succeed.The 4D programme sets out a three-step approach to change, comprising:
1. Producing a written policy statement setting out the school’s approach to dyslexia
2. Outlining a strategy for addressing dyslexia in the classroom
3. Implementing the strategy, including making simple adjustments to the classroom environment.
We are currently working to produce these initial materials, and we will update this page as we complete this, and as we make improvements in the classroom. For more information on 4D go to
www.4Dschools.org.nz.
4. ORS or ACC funded students
The needs of these students are considered severe enough that they attract special funding which enables them to be fully mainstreamed with teacher aid support.
Special Assessment Conditions
Special assessment conditions may be needed for students with permanent or longterm conditions such as physical disability, sight or hearing impairment or a medical condition. To be eligible for special conditions, an independent assessment and recommendation from a registered assessor is required. This assessment must have been carried out within the previous two years, for students entering for national qualifications.
The Learning Support Department also arranges:
- Pasifika student mentoring
- peer tutoring
- a Homework Centre in the School Library four afternoons a week.
Ms Gillian Thomas
Phone 802 2538