The faculty caters for students with Special Needs in the broadest sense, from the most able to the low attainers specialising in students with Specific Learning Difficulties.

Students with a Statement of Special Educational Needs have sometimes had the Statement removed on transfer at the age of 11. Other Statements are maintained, depending on the level of provision required.

All students are assessed according to their need and a relevant programme is set up.

The faculty perceives itself as a source of support for students, parents/carers and colleagues.

According to needs, we will use strategies within our programme to enable the student to develop and achieve to the best of his/her ability. Specifically, we aim to provide for the following needs:

• Literacy - withdrawal for structured reading tuition.
• Social Skills – withdrawal for social and communication skills through the Social Use of Language Programme.
• Handwriting and spelling - using a phonic syllabus and in close liaison with the English Department.
• ARROW - a group of students follow this 5 week course using a sound tape system recorded in the student’s own voice. This improves reading, spelling, handwriting, listening, concentration and memory. The course material used is 'Spelling made Easy' by Violet Brand.
• EAL – small group sessions for those students for whom English is not the first language.
• Numeracy - withdrawal to follow a structured basic numeracy skills programme and in class support.
• Art as Therapy – an opportunity to explore and share personal experiences and emotions through the medium of the plastic arts.
• Speech and Language – withdrawal to follow course of activities suggested by our visiting speech and language therapist.

Movement Skills
Riding for the Disabled - For students who are physically handicapped riding a horse is one of the best-known ways of exercising muscles. It has other physical benefits including improving circulation and co-ordination. We also use the activity to build up confidence and self-esteem. The overall benefits are improvement of physical fitness, muscle tone and posture.

Emotional Needs
A confidential ‘in school’ counseling service is available to students through the Learning Support Faculty.

Behaviour Modification
We offer individual behaviour modification programmes for some students to help them recognise their own behaviour and adapt it.

Homework/Independent Study Club
There is an established daily supervised homework/independent study club where students can receive advice and help where requested.

Liaison with Parents/Carers
Liaison with parents/carers is a key element in our success. This begins with the annual Special Needs Parents’/Carers’ Evening, mainly for parents/carers of new students in Years 7, 8 and 9. It is felt that the main thrust of this work takes place during Years 7, 8 and 9 and that parents/carers of students in other years are already used to a close working relationship with the school.

Contact: Subject Leader - Mrs S J Todd