At Clifton High School we aim to realise and develop the individual brilliance and recognise the neurodiversity of children.
We foster individual talents or gifts, providing support to those who may have additional learning needs.
Mrs Gabrielle Pilgrim, Head of Enhanced Learning Department
Our Enhanced Learning Department (ELD) provides one-to-one and small group lessons and is established to:
- Provide support for those pupils with additional learning needs such as dyslexia, dyspraxia or dyscalculia.
- Provide additional teaching for those pupils for whom English is not their principal language.
The Enhanced Learning Department is led by the Head of Enhanced Learning and a team of five specialist teachers, a co-ordinator for English as an Additional Language Teaching and Learning and an English as an Additional Language Tutor.
ADDITIONAL LEARNING NEEDS
The Head of Enhanced Learning works closely with class and subject teachers across the School to ensure that those neurodiverse pupils, identified as having additional learning needs, are well supported. Through on-going evaluation of classwork as well as the results from assessments we are able to ensure that all our pupils are progressing in-line with their own abilities and their rate of progress is on target. Should it be decided that additional levels of support are required an Individual Educational Plan (IEP) will be promptly established and reviewed regularly. Similarly, an IEP may be established as a result of an External Educational Psychologist’s Report.
Teachers work closely with every individual pupil attending Clifton High School, their tutors and parents to ensure we are able to offer the optimum level of support for our children to achieve their very best. As well as providing one-to-one or small group work, we also collaborate with pupils to understand their specific needs and help them put strategies in place to get the most of their learning both at School and at home.
The ELD runs additional reading, spelling, study skills and numeracy programmes which enable extra practice in the key skills. In Year 9 the Head of Enhanced Learning assesses pupils to ascertain whether they require special arrangements for public examinations.
ENGLISH AS AN ADDITIONAL LANGUAGE
There are a number of pupils in Clifton High School for whom English is not their first language. We value this linguistic diversity and encourage opportunities for children to use and talk about their home language in play and learning.
For those pupils who join Clifton High School requiring help with their English language skills, the English as an Additional Language (EAL) team in the Enhanced Learning Department offer their guidance. After an initial assessment, pupils may be invited to benefit from an intensive 2-week induction period with a specialist EAL teacher or begin weekly or twice-weekly EAL lessons. The EAL team will continue to support the pupil with individual or small-group lessons and regularly monitor the development of their English language skills.
The content of the EAL lessons depends on the needs of each individual pupil but typically will include a good balance of speaking, writing, listening and reading skills practice, linked with the content of the curriculum, once appropriate.
