Motivating S.E.N. pupils takes place through continual encouragement to regard education as an enjoyable, important, useful and integral part of their lives. Pupils who are identified as having special educational needs are set in small classes for the core subjects so that they can be given individualised attention:
The aims of these classes are:
(a) To act as a safety net for pupils with learning difficulties in order to encourage them to achieve their full potential;
(b) To develop the basic requirements of literacy and numeracy for life skills;
(c) To develop the skills and knowledge required to fulfil a useful role in society.
For all other subjects, pupils join their form classes for lessons which entail differentiated teaching and the use of appropriate materials and resources. The implementation of the ‘Code of Practice’ has resulted in the drawing up of education plans for pupils at stage 1 or above, thus ensuring that every effort is being made to meet the needs of all our pupils.
Special needs pupils are supported across the curriculum by twenty six classroom assistants. The assistants build up good working relationships with the pupils and aim to develop confidence and independence within them while maximising their potential in every area.
The school works closely with EA external services who provide support for pupils on an advisory or a one to one level. Various reasonable adjustments can be implemented for SEN pupils in order to meet their needs and ensure a positive, productive learning experience.