Special Needs

Specific learning difficulties (dyslexia)

Children who have dyslexic or dyspraxic difficulties are well supported within the School.  They have one-to-one teaching once a week until they feel, and their teachers feel, that they are coping well with the curriculum and the demands of life in secondary school.

The dyslexia therapist, who is a full-time member of staff, also:

• screens children on entry to the School,
• liaises with teachers, parents, and Housemasters,
• organises exam concessions, and
• supports the children in their exams and in their use of laptops.

There is no extra charge for lessons.

The teaching aims to show these children their own best ways of dealing with their dyslexia: how to tackle learning work, note-taking, essay-writing, reading assignments, revision and organisation. They are not coached in particular subjects but shown study skills to deal with any particular areas in which they may have difficulty.

Most children with dyslexic difficulties are encouraged to use a word processor for School and, if possible, a laptop in the classroom, as this is probably the single most useful strategy for a dyslexic student. In preparation for this, very competent touch-typing skills are essential. Dyslexic students who do not already touch-type are therefore strongly advised to complete a good typing course before they enter the School.