LEARNING SUPPORT

Glenstal Abbey School has a well equipped and active Learning Support Department. Advances in psychology and educational theory have taught us that not all children have the same learning styles and that the talents and intelligence of students are harnessed in different ways. The goal of the Learning Support Department is to aid students to develop and improve their own learning capacity or rates. During the support periods the focus is not on class-work; the aim is not to provide students with supplementary grinds. The aim is, rather, to teach the student strategies and skills to learn and apply his knowledge for himself. This allows the student to more fully benefit from the vast bulk of his class time which he spends in regular subject classes. Support teachers coordinate their efforts with teachers of core subjects, such as English and Mathematics, and concentrate on developing skills that are currently required.

There is extensive cooperation and information-pooling between the entry assessment team, tutoring and career guidance services in the school. Students likely to require support are identified at the outset, followed closely by their tutor and helped by the support teacher. Tutors who develop a concern about a student refer him to the Learning Support Department. Finally, there can be an early appraisal of subjects and career options where necessary.

The setting up of the Learning Support Department meets a need that has always existed. It empowers students to learn and develop to their full potential. The students have worked well and achieve remarkable advances as a result of the support they receive from this department.