Our Student Support Department works with students who have Specific Learning Difficulties such as dyslexia and dyspraxia, helping them to achieve their full potential and become successful learners. The Department aims to prove to girls that having a learning difference is no barrier to achievement. In the past students who have received support from the Department have:
- Followed the full curriculum to GCSE and Sixth Form, and gained scholarships
- Become Guardian (Head Girl), and held other posts on the Student Leadership Team
- Shown an increase in self-confidence and self-esteem
- Studied for Degrees in a range of subjects
- Captained school teams, taken roles in school plays, public speaking, and musical events
- Achieved far beyond their expectations
In short, our Student Support Department have demonstrated that with the right learning strategies, encouragement and support, each of our students – regardless of ability – have the opportunity to take part in everything Cobham Hall has to offer and discover their full potential.
Cobham Hall is recognised by CReSTeD (the Council for the Registration of Schools Teaching Dyslexic Students) for the quality of its Dyslexia Unit and the Department gives tutorial support, delivers specialist teaching programmes and provides input into the curriculum. Support is offered for literacy, numeracy and study skills. The most recent report can be viewed here.
Specialist teachers in the Department know their pupils exceptionally well and develop tailored programmes for each student, taking into account each girl’s strengths, weaknesses and learning preferences.
Each student has regular input for her specialised learning plan, which is discussed with parents, and communicated to subject teachers. Teachers in the Student Support Department aim to develop confident, independent learners who show awareness of their own learning styles and who are actively engaged in exploring strategies to support areas of challenge.
Girls are withdrawn from selected lessons, which are timetabled to have minimal impact on the curriculum. A teaching assistant may be available to support them for some lessons. Most students join the School with a prior report from an Educational Psychologist or a qualified Specialist Teacher, and Entrance Assessments will be interpreted in light of any such documents. On-going assessment within the School enables any learning issues to be identified.
