Student/Learning Support

Wellington College’s Student/Learning Support Department, Te Pou Whirinaki, is focused on providing support and care to help remove barriers to ensure that all students can access the curriculum. Te Pou Whirinaki, literally means ‘post to lean on, pillar of support, dependable and reliable person’ and this is what we try and embody as a team.

The Department consists of Lead Teacher, Deb Marshall, Special Education Needs Coordinators (Co-SENCOs), Saskia Manktelow / Brenda van der Meulen, Autistic Spectrum Disorder (ASD) Advisor /Student Mentor, Henry Fane de Salis and a team of Teacher Aides.

In Year 9, students who require support with literacy are invited to take ‘Integrated Studies.’ This subject is designed to support students’ English classes and also to help them with the language demands across the curriculum. In Year 10, students who still need literacy support can continue with this option.

In the senior school, departments often offer courses with an internally assessed focus. These classes work closely with the Student/Learning Support team.

Wellington College is an inclusive school, and we support a range of learning, physical or medical challenges. Students who are funded are mainstreamed and part of our school community with the help of teacher aide support. Our school is committed to supporting these students through staff professional development, a range of support strategies, student mentoring and peer support.

Students who are eligible for Special Assessment Conditions (SACs) will have these provided where appropriate. Data to support a SAC application is needed from either a registered assessor or from school-based evidence.

Getting in touch

Included in the online enrolment application form is a section under ‘school questions.’ Here you are invited to provide details of any support needs or requirements.

Learning Support Lead Teacher: Deb Marshall - phone 802 2520 x 815 or email d.marshall@wc.school.nz

Co-SENCOs: Saskia Manktelow and Brenda van der Meulen - phone 802 2520 x815

or email senco@wc.school.nz

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