Learning Support

We view the pupils who have support in the LSC as individuals who have learning differences not difficulties. Pupils with Additional Educational Needs (AEN) from Year 9 right up to Upper Sixth can receive support from our team of experienced and well qualified LSC teachers. We have 6 full time staff, 3 part-time staff, a Speech and Language Therapist, 8 peripatetic staff and 2 visiting Educational Psychologists. We are based at the heart of the school within a main teaching block alongside the English, History and Religious Studies Departments.

Some pupils arrive at Millfield with learning differences that have already been diagnosed such as dyslexia or dyspraxia. Other pupils are identified through our extensive screening processes and are subsequently assessed by a specialist teacher or an Education Psychologist. We aim to ensure that pupils with learning differences are identified as early as possible in their Millfield career to ensure that the most appropriate support is put in place as quickly as possible. This allows our pupils to develop appropriate learning strategies that will allow them to achieve in line with their potential.

Lower School LSC support

The LSC offers timetabled support to pupils with AEN in the lower school whose academic programmes permit. Pupils either come to the LSC for support instead of studying as language in Year 9, or alongside their GCSE options in years 10 and 11. Most pupils select support in place of a GCSE option to ensure there is enough time to make use of the facilities during their day, but for those who have a full academic programme, support is offered at lunchtimes and evening workshops.

Our team of experienced teachers deliver Study Support to small groups, where we cover areas such as learning styles, revision strategies and examination techniques. Within the Year 9 Study Support lessons there is a focus on literacy skills, grammar and punctuation. In Years 10 and 11, more emphasis is placed on supporting pupils with their individual GCSE subject choices and helping them develop skills to encourage and support independent learning.

Sixth Form LSC Support

In the Sixth Form we continue to support AEN pupils in small groups; these sessions are timetabled in a pupil’s private study periods. Identified pupils will attend the LSC at least once a week and receive information and advice on topics such as study skills and an introduction to the assistive technologies which are available in school for their use, to aid independent study. Pupils will have access to software such as Dragon Naturally Speaking, Read and Write 11 and Inspiration Mind mapping.

For those AEN pupils who may only need occasional access to the LSC to seek guidance and support we have lunchtime workshops, which are staffed by LSC Study Support staff.

Exam Access Arrangements

For those pupils who meet the examination boards’ criteria we can provide a range of exam access arrangements including additional time, readers, scribes and the use of laptops. We have a team of experienced external invigilators who help to provide this service for end of year exams, Controlled Assessments, rehearsal exams and external GCSE and A level exams.

Individual Support

For those pupils who would like more specialist support, we are able to provide 1:1 lessons with either a Speech and Language Therapist or a peripatetic Teacher. There is an additional charge for these 1:1 sessions, please see Millfield Fees Sheet for more details.

Building self-esteem, easing the journey

The LSC aims to encourage pupils, build their self-esteem and set them on the road to independent learning. By having high expectations and developing positive working relationships we aim to maximise opportunities and success for our AEN pupils.