The Centre for Learning
Whanganui Collegiate School sees its provision of learning support as a point of difference. Alongside smaller classes and a robust tutor and pastoral support network, students who experience difficulty engaging with their academic studies are identified as early as possible. The Centre for Learning also helps to oversee students identified as Gifted and Talented. Students may be referred to the Centre for Learning through a variety of pathways including:
- Student self-referral
- Parent referral
- Teacher referral
- Information from prior schools
- Assessment results
- Outside agency referral (for example RTLB, ICAMHS)
We then work to provide appropriate support, tailored to their individual requirements, in order that they may obtain the best possible experience from the School's robust academic programme.
Communication between teachers and The Centre for Learning regarding the needs and progress of the student is rich and ongoing. If a student is falling behind, teacher observations may lead to The Centre for Learning collating information from the student's other teachers and gathering further evidence through appropriate testing and screening assessments. Conversations with parents and caregivers, begins early. The Centre for Learning also has strong links with appropriate support networks within the wider Health and Education community.
Types of Support
We provide a range of support mechanisms for students requiring personalised support:
- Residential Tutors are employed to provide support for students in targeted classroom settings or even to work with students on their homework within the houses where there is a high need.
- Tuition is provided by learning support staff, where targeted programmes are designed to develop a student's learning strengths. We believe strongly in a strength-based approach to learning and teaching.
- The Centre for Learning, is a student drop in centre where advice, resources or simply a place for taking time-out is provided. Students are encouraged to self-refer, and seek support when they feel they need it.
- Literacy and numeracy focus is provided in Year 9 or 10 for the provision of additional support for students who have been identified as having high needs, generally in groups of 4 - 6 students. However, support is also provided to the classroom teachers, for programme differentiation, and tutor support if required. The focus is on developing literacy and numeracy skills in context, to prepare readiness for NCEA.
- For students who have entered formal assessment classes (Year 11, 12 and 13), alternative subject and course choices have been provided, including a Gateway programme as well as correspondence courses. Some students benefit from a reduced programme, using a Study Skills line to work with our Centre for Learning team in developing a study and revision plan, as well as support for completing class work.
- Students in the senior school will use a more student-driven approach in developing ILPs (Individual Learning Plan) alongside a Learning Journal, which records lesson goals and steps taken to achieve them. The Centre for Learning will individualise learning for students in liaison with students, their families and staff.
The student is very much at the centre of our approach to plan a programme that will challenge and support our learners, and so our response to each learner will be unique to their learning needs.
