The Hub (Learning Support)

Our learning support team comprises of the Learning Support Coordinator, Mrs Bullock, Learning Support Teacher Mrs McGrath, our Assistant Learning Support Coordinator, Mr O’Callaghan and our excellent team of Classroom Assistants.

All barriers to learning, whether due to literacy, numeracy, physical or emotional problems, will be addressed effectively in Devenish College. Students who receive additional help are not set apart from the mainstream of everyday College life, but they work at a level suited to their ability, effectively supported by their Classroom Assistant where applicable. Our staff have regular, effective developmental training in a range of educational supports including ASD and ADHD. Recently, we benefitted  from significant input from the Middletown Centre for Autism.

Our new Learning Support Hub contains two bespoke classrooms that accommodate small group teaching groups for students with additional learning needs We use a range of different supports including a focus on the use of assistive technology (IT), such a reader pens, chromebooks and iPads. We have also developed new initiatives including a weekly well-being group, social skills programme and art therapy.

Our Hub also has two designated rooms specifically designed to support those pupils who have additional sensory needs and who may struggle from the overwhelming environment of a busy classroom. One area acts as a relaxation zone and the other, as an interactive space to allow pupils to exercise through their frustrations, anxiety or sensory overload.

Daily lunch clubs are organised for pupils in Key Stage 3 where students have the opportunity to develop their communication skills and make new friends in a supportive and nurturing environment. There is regular interaction through board and card games and themed craft sessions.

Access arrangements are in place to facilitate students whose individual learning needs would otherwise hinder access to exams. This includes provision for extra time, readers, prompters, scribes.

Devenish College prides itself on being an inclusive school where students of varying abilities and talents are educated together. We support children who experience difficulties in accessing the curriculum so that they can develop and realise their full learning potential. We will liaise closely with your child’s Primary School and parents to ensure that their transition is as smooth as possible.