Support for Learning

About the Department

The role of Support for Learning is to enable pupils across the ability range to access learning opportunities in a way that meets their individual needs, and hence we provide tuition in literacy and numeracy skills; assist pupils to become effective learners and monitor and review pupils' progress. The department evaluates individual pupils' needs for support; assists pupils to develop learning skills to become more independent in their learning; and encourage good patterns of work that will enable them to study successfully. It also provides for the transition of pupils form the Junior School through to the Senior School and on to University/Further Education Establishments.

Teaching & Learning

Second/Third Form 'Support Learning'
Small group teaching (max of three groups of 5) takes place in 2nd & 3rd Form, usually for those pupils with a SpLD (e.g. dyslexia) as detailed in their educational psychologist's report. The Support Learning 'option' is chosen instead of the second Modern Language: subject choice is dealt with by the Director of Studies and he is advised by the Head of Support for Learning. In addition, subject teachers can request, via their Head of Department, in-class support for pupils, which will be dependent on need, staffing and timetabling. If pupils have 'Additional Support Needs' which cannot be met within the above Support measures then these can be discussed with both the Head of Support for Learning and the Director of Studies.

Fourth & Fifth Form 'Support Learning'
Pupils join a small group (max of 5) and work on their current coursework. Assistance with literacy and numeracy skills can also be given. Study skills and exam revision skills can also be incorporated into any support programme. Note: one-to-one tuition is not normally offered but when parents request this service there may be a charge.

Sixth Form 'Support Learning'
Pupils who require additional support with their written coursework or Maths can use Support as required (depending on timetable) or Support can be timetabled depending on need. This can either be on a weekly, termly or yearly basis, depending on timetabling. Note: one-to-one tuition is not normally offered but when parents request this service there may be a charge.

Please note: If parents request one-to-one tuition there is likely to be a charge of £30 for each 40 minute lesson.

Activities

The Third & Fifth Forms attend Study Skills Seminars, which are presented by a commercial company, in October of each year. These sessions look at, amongst other aspects, motivation, organisation, memory, brain framing, mind maps, and exam skills.

What Pupils say

"It's a different way of learning."
"You learn about yourself and dyslexia and how to overcome it."
"Dyslexia is full of hardship and trials. However, you learn to overcome these."
"Dyslexia is made easy in the Department."
"A boost to one's self confidence."
"Use your dyslexia in a positive fashion."

Stuart Lucas (Head of Department)
BA(Hons), Stirling University
M.Litt., Strathclyde University
Dip SpLD (dyslexia), Edinburgh University
PGCE, Strathclyde University
CCET, DA (course ends early 09)

Stuart is currently studying for the Certificate of Competence in Educational Testing (Level A) with Dyslexia Action. He has previously been awarded the Diploma SpLD (Dyslexia) at the University of Edinburgh; an M.Litt. in Literary Linguistics for the Teaching of English Language and Literature, University of Strathclyde; a BA (Hons) English Studies, University of Stirling; and a PGCE (English/History) at the University of Strathclyde. He fell into the trap that is education and has never escaped! Enjoys reading Voltaire and Yukio Mishima.

June Scott

  • Diploma for Teachers of Learners with Specific Learning Difficulties - RSA Examinations Board Certificate
  • Edinburgh City Council - The following are the Council's qualifications to teach LSSN - Learning Support and Special Needs LSSN 1 LSSN2
  • Certificate in Secondary Education - Moray House College of Education - A teaching qualification in Home Economics
  • Diploma in Domestic Science - Queen Margaret College (formerly Edinburgh College of Domestic Science)

June was born and educated in Gosforth, a suburb of Newcastle upon Tyne and left there to study Home Economics at Queen Margaret. She taught H.E. for some years in Edinburgh, Leeds and Nottinghamshire, obtaining a diploma in special learning needs (dyslexia) approximately ten years ago. She is employed as a Learning Support Teacher in Midlothian and Edinburgh and is a registered tutor with Dyslexia Scotland. Married with one son (16) and an extended family, her hobbies are walking, the outdoors, gardening, yoga and bridge.

Rosemary Newlands

BSc, Edinburgh University
MSc, Strathclyde University (graduates June 08)
PGCE, Edinburgh University
PGCPSE, The Open University (course ends Oct 08)