By definition every child is unique and every child has different learning needs.  Premier Academy is a mainstream school but recognizes the fact that every student has a unique learning style and that students vary in abilities.   The Learning Support Department assists students to overcome learning barriers and thus empower and enable students to reach their full academic, social and emotional potential.

Identification and assessment of learners

At Premier Academy, we believe in the early identification of pupils with individual learning needs so that appropriate intervention can begin in order to maximize the pupils’ learning within the mainstream environment. The teachers in our department support pupils through differentiation, or through individual, small group or in class support as required by a child’s individual learning needs. This support is available from Kindergarten to Secondary.

Learning needs

Following the school’s Learning diversity/Inclusion policy, the student’s learning needs are considered on an individual basis and is provided by our Learning Support team. In the Prep Section, a variety of visual, auditory and kinesthetic resources are used to ensure multi-sensory teaching. In our Secondary section, we provide integrated support to pupils, one on one sessions in Mathematics and Literacy and if necessary, withdrawal from a second language may be recommended to work on specific learning needs.

Pupils, parents and teachers work together to set individual targets for pupils who require Individualised Learning Plans and these meetings are conducted regularly and on need basis.

Exams

The department also applies for exam concessions on behalf of the Academy for students in Learning Support Department who sit for public exams in years 6 and 11. Assessments for this purpose are done prior to making these applications for exam accommodations.

This support consists of one on one or small group sessions aimed to teach or reinforce the knowledge and academic skills required for the student to reach their full potential in a mainstream subject. The subject teacher and the learning support teacher concur on the content that should be reinforced, decide the pace of the instruction and share the planning on regular basis.

Learning Skills Development Sessions

Students attend the Learning Support class to work either individually or in small group sessions on developing:

•  Cognitive skills
•  Sensory integration skills
•  Fine or gross motor skills
•  Organizational skills
•  Study skills
•  Work habits

In class accommodations

Students are provided with in-class accommodations determined by their individual needs to support differentiated instruction within the mainstream. This may include modified teaching strategies, additional teaching aids and facilities.

Examination accommodations

Students may be provided with different examination accommodations for both internal examinations and external examinations.

Internal examination modifications may include:

•  Extended time
•  Examination reader
•  Examination prompter
•  Sitting for examinations in a separate room.