The Learning Support Department plays a vital role in ensuring that pupils with particular or special needs are able to reach their full potential as learners.

It is recognised that some pupils will need a variation on the standard curriculum or additional support to meet their needs.

Three distinct groups identified are:

• those with learning difficulties
• those where English is not their native language
• those who are identified as Gifted and Talented

Learning Support
Learning support is provided for those who need help with literacy or numeracy by qualified specialist teachers.  To ensure that all pupils with learning difficulties are identified there is a continuous process of assessment, monitoring and review. All pupils in First, Second and Third Forms have regular screening tests in Literacy and Mathematics. Teachers in the Department are also qualified to undertake detailed individual assessments of pupils with specific learning difficulties. Support is provided both in-class and one to one. In-class support is provided by teachers following Individual Education Plans drawn up by the Learning Support Department. Close liaison between the Department and teachers ensures that pupils' changing needs are effectively met. The one to one lessons are tailored to meet the individual pupil's needs and informed by liaison with subject teachers.

English as a Foreign Language
Pupils for whom English is not their first language are assessed to establish their requirements for support and are taught either in small groups or on a one to one basis by specialist teachers. There is close liaison between EAL teachers and subject teachers to ensure that pupils receive appropriate support to enable them to have full access to the curriculum.

Gifted and Talented
A new programme has been introduced to stretch gifted and talented pupils both in and beyond the classroom. All departments provide extension work for the more able, and if it is appropriate to enter pupils for examinations at an early stage because they are ready for it, we will do so.

In addition a project - the creation of a new sport - has been established for 2010/11, in conjunction with Loughborough University. Pupils have been introduced to the project by Dr Sean Mitchell from the Sports Technology department at Loughborough, one of the world’s leading sport research groups, and where the football for this year’s World Cup was designed. This project will incorporate all year groups in a variety of roles, extending pupils in their particular areas of ability, as well as challenging them elsewhere.