Educational Support
Head of Department: Mrs V.C. Lacey
Advice on Coursework (713 KB .pdf file) and Revision Handbook (400 KB .pdf file) for Fourth and Fifth Form now available.
Pupils with Specific Learning Difficulties (SpLDs) , or for whom English is an Additional Language (EAL), are well-provided for at Oundle. The Educational Support Department offers support to pupils throughout the School, from the First to the Sixth Form. The Department has five well-qualified members of staff, with expertise in working with pupils with SpLDs, including Dyslexia, Dyspraxia, Dysgraphia and organisational problems, or for whom English is not their first language.
Appropriate Access Arrangements are made for those with SpLDs both for internal and external examinations and we routinely liaise closely with mainstream colleagues about reasonable adjustments for those with learning difficulties. All pupils who have regular lessons have an IEP (Individual Education Plan) which is accessible to all mainstream staff. Synopses of reports from outside professionals, diagnosing SpLDs are also available to all mainstream staff.
The department is staffed by:
Mrs I Chamen: MA(EFL)
Mrs J.M.T. Clay BA
Mr A. Lacey BA
Mrs V.C. Lacey BA, MA, Cert PSE
Mrs CM Redding BA, Dip Ed, MA, Cert Tesol
Mrs T Rai: (SRN) Department Secretary
As far as possible, lessons are arranged on an extra-curricular basis, so as not to interfere with a pupil’s mainstream studies, though, because of demand, some pupils are taught on a rota basis. Pupils of English as an Additional Language (EAL) may take extra English instead of another modern foreign language. Some pupils are entered for IELTs examinations as appropriate.The department offers help, either on a one-to-one basis or in a small group,
in the following areas:
• Essay planning
• Revision skills
• Exam technique
• Mind-mapping
• Spelling
• Handwriting
• General organisation
We also offer in-class support, as appropriate.
Pupils enjoy coming to Mulberry Cottage for their lessons. The building is situated in a central position near to the Cloisters, Library and School Bookshop. Apart from those pupils who have a regular or short course of lessons with us, all pupils are always welcome to pop in for advice and support, if they are encountering difficulty or would like a little one-to-one support. Pupils know where to find the Department and do readily contact us if they are having difficulties.
The Department is very much a part of the whole school and its wider curriculum, running Revision and Coursework Management training sessions in the Houses as part of the PSHE programme. Educational Support is well-equipped with some of the latest software in the field, including mind-mapping software, programmes to improve recall skills, language learning and an analysis of individual learning styles. A Screening Programme at the start of the year, for pupils new to the school, helps to identify those who may need some additional support and ensures that we are aware early on of any possible underlying difficulties.
Pupils who need Examination Access Arrangements may be assessed either within the Department or by one of our visiting outside professionals.
In the Lower Sixth, the Department offers subject specific support from experienced subject teachers under the L6 Study Assistance programme.
Parents are very welcome to contact the Head of Department directly if they
would like further information about the ways in which support is arranged
at Oundle for pupils either with SpLDs, or who have English as an Additional
Language.