Learning Support Department

The Learning Support Department at Orwell Park School operates an ‘Open Door’ policy. During their time at Orwell Park many children will find their way to our department for a myriad of reasons; whether they be scholars or those with more specific needs.

If there are concerns following the Assessment morning, children are asked to return to spend an afternoon with the Learning Support Department for a further screening, in order to give us a true picture of the child’s strengths and weaknesses. Having discussed these results with parents and staff we then put together an individualised programme of support. During their time at Orwell Park School children may be referred to the Learning Support Department by staff or parents if concerns arise.

We are lucky to have a highly specialised team of teachers, one being a maths specialist, and we work in many different ways with our students, tailoring the lessons to suit the individual child. These include one-to-one, or one-to-two lessons, study skills groups, supported prep sessions and revision sessions for Vth and VIth form pupils. We also offer paired reading, early morning spelling support, times tables clubs, typing courses and provide revision packs to support holiday work. Furthermore, we liaise with outside agencies and follow up occupational therapy exercises and speech and language work if these cannot be carried out at home.

As the children progress up the school we encourage them to take responsibility for their learning and personal organisation, allowing the children to come in their free time and work in a semi-independent way, thus preparing them for the transition to Public School.

We consider it vital to have good lines of communication with parents, staff and outside agencies. We work closely with all staff both in and out of the classroom and have liaison meetings with all faculties at the start of the academic year to ensure everyone is fully aware of each child’s specific needs. Parents know they are always able to contact us whether by phone, email or in person. In addition, we now invite VI form parents and their children to a revision session prior to the school exams.

We believe the most important thing we can do is to raise a child’s self-esteem so that, by the time they leave Orwell Park, they feel able to hold their head up high and are ready to face the challenges that lie ahead.

Lucy Rowan Robinson