Educational Support
Head of Department: Mrs V.C. Lacey
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 seven 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, Dip RSA (SpLDs)
Mrs V.C. Lacey: BA, Higher Diploma in Literacy Development, MA (SpLDs), Cert
PSE Special Needs
Mrs GT Nacef: BA, TEFL Cert IHH
Mrs CM Nolan: BA
Mrs CM Redding: BA, Dip Ed, MA, Cert Tesol
Mrs T Rai: (SRN) Department Secretary
Lessons are arranged either on an extra-curricular basis, or, according to
availability, on a rota basis. Pupils of English as an Additional Language
(EAL) may be advised to 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.
Our new accommodation is at the top of Old Dryden, above the English Department
and the Careers Department. 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. We also offer Vols to all pupils for revision skills and
examination technique.
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. 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.
Pupils who need Examination Access Arrangements may be assessed either within
the Department by a specialist teacher or by one of our visiting outside professionals.
In the Lower Sixth, the Department offers subject specific support from experienced
subject teachers under the Sixth Form 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.