SMCnet .::. Learning Support

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Learning Support

The Learning Support Co-ordinator and her team is available to work with students at all levels of the College and in any area of the curriculum. Through initial testing, groups of students are identified early in the year.

These students will receive help from either the Teacher Aide or the Learning Support Co-ordinator. This help may be one to one, in a small group or within the regular classroom.

To discuss learning support for your daughter contact:
Miss Mariette Poortman: learningsupport@stmaryak.school.nz

ASDAN

ASDAN is offered from Year 11 and Bronze, Silver, Gold L2 and Platinum L3 are offered. ASDAN is a programme which enables students to select topics of their choice and develop them through a process of action planning, recording and reviewing. The students learn important skills as they assemble their portfolios throughout the year. The Key Competencies are developed through ASDAN as the students are required to practise self management and problem solving while also working with others.

Each challenge has a point value and once the required number of points are reached, the portfolio is presented for external moderation. Successful candidates are awarded the Bronze, Silver, Gold or Platinum certificates on completion of their respective level. Up to 20 credit equivalents can be awarded at L1, L2 and L3. This means that if the students earn 60 NCEA credits in their other subjects and also gain Literacy and Numeracy, the credit equivalents can be cross credited towards the Record of Learning. Attractive Certificates are awarded to the successful candidates.

Gifted and Talented

A group of Y7 students are currently enjoying a series of lessons from MindLab. Through game playing, strategies are taught, discussed, and then applied to real life situations.

Congratulations to Lucy Davy Y12 who recently won the privilege of spending a day with the CEO of Air New Zealand. Lucy found the day most inspiring.

Seniors Tutoring Juniors

We have a number of dedicated seniors tutoring junior students in Maths and Science. Tutoring occurs before and after school as well as in the lunchtimes. This programme has been extremely successful this year. The benefits of this 'service' are reaped by seniors and juniors alike. Students who wish to be involved need to see Mrs Lockhart or Miss Poortman.

Checklist

Is your daughter working extremely hard but gaining poor results?
Are there issues with organisation?
Does your daughter display 'avoidance' strategies with regard to her school work?
Do you intuitively know that 'something is not right'?

Students with Special Exam Conditions [SAC]

Students with a diagnosed Specific Learning Difficulty are entitled to Special exam and test conditions. To book a Reader / Writer, complete the yellow form in the Learning Support Office.

We are becoming increasingly aware of the adverse impact of Auditory Processing Difficulties [APD] and Visual Processing Difficulties [VPD]. These 'conditions' are not picked up by traditional school hearing and vision tests. If you suspect that 'something is not right' with your daughters learning and progress, please contact Miss Poortman. A discussion of your concerns may lead to a recommendation for a formal assessment...and improved outcomes for your daughter.