SUPPORT FOR LEARNING

HIGHLIGHTS

How many young people are potential artists, scientists or world leaders but are held back by a specific learning difficulty? Those who learn differently are often highly intelligent and may possess unique problem-solving abilities, artistic talent, strong, spatial awareness skills or musical ability. Support for Learning at Dollar Academy focuses on the individual's potential, helping pupils to enjoy learning and to develop appropriate study skills in order to achieve to the best of their abilities. The department offers advice to all pupils who may be encountering learning or study difficulties.

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. Brain Gym, Light Therapy, Sound Therapy and other remediation programmes can reduce some of the physical aspects of these difficulties. An enlightened approach to teaching and learning is a key factor at Dollar Academy in ensuring individual pupil's needs are met. Pupils, teachers and parents are encouraged to view the department as an advice centre on teaching and learning issues. This open-door policy is designed to reduce any sense of stigma or labellings.

Our support comprises:

• Identifying a pupil's needs at the earliest opportunity.
• Encouraging them to share their anxieties so that we can intervene effectively.
• Organising regular reports and consultations between staff, parents and pupils.
• Working collaboratively with other professional agencies for the welfare of the pupil.
• Directing pupils to remediation programmes to ensure readiness for learning.
• Providing support for learning within mainstream classes; individual or group tuition and extracurricular classes.
• Helping pupils to develop essential skills for success including study skills, organisational skills, using a computer, audio books etc.
• Providing scribes, readers etc. as required.
• Administering the provision of pupil dispensations in school and public exams.
• Offering guidance on Special Needs rights for university applicants.