Support for Learning at Dollar Academy

Support for Learning:
The Support for Learning Department works closely with class teachers across the 5-18 spectrum to monitor, advise, assess and support all pupils with additional needs.  An enlightened approach to teaching and learning is a key factor at Dollar Academy in ensuring individual pupil's educational and emotional needs are met.  Pupils, teachers and parents are encouraged to view the department as an advice centre on teaching and learning issues.  The focus is on the individual’s potential; helping pupils to develop appropriate skills using a multi-sensory approach to learning, in order to achieve to the best of their abilities.

Those who learn differently are often highly intelligent and may possess unique problem-solving abilities, artistic talent, strong, spatial awareness skills or musical ability.  Research into specific difficulties in recent years has significantly expanded our knowledge of how to manage them.  The right side of the brain, which controls tone, rhythm and intuitive abilities, appears to be exceptionally strong in people who have difficulties with written symbols. Sound Therapy and other remediation programmes can reduce some of the physical aspects of these difficulties.  At Dollar Academy our pupils can access regular sessions in our movement group run by Mr Jamie Frost and some also attend our Listening Programme Sound Therapy course.

We occasionally assess pupils’ needs as requiring further expert advice beyond the school.  We have strong associations with respected professionals in Optometry, Neuro Physiological Psychology and Educational Psychology and we draw on their expertise to assess and advise where necessary.

Please click on play to watch Prep School pupils enjoying Mr Frost's movement class, an important part of the motor development programme

Assessment:
All of our pupils are screened regularly in literacy and numeracy skills.  This allows us to identify where pupils’ strengths lie and where some pupils may require additional support.  Staff members, parents and pupils may also make referrals to the Support for Learning Department to request an assessment.  

Our assessment procedures involve using standardised tests, presented both manually and electronically, in order to create an informative profile for each pupil.  The results from these assessments are enhanced by observations within the classroom, examples of class work and through discussions with teachers and parents.  All pupils are then monitored by Support for Learning and their profiles and levels of support updated as their needs change.