Determining student support may involve a number of people from a variety of areas, including leaders, teachers, counsellors, medical and support staff. Effective Student Support Services are delivered primarily through three key departments: Learning Support, English as an Additional Language (EAL) and Counselling. All three departments work closely together to ensure our students are receiving the best possible additional support should they require it.
The Learning Support Department provides additional support for many aspects of learning; from comprehension, communication skills, enhanced concentration, social/emotional support, to learning skills and language development. Every aspect is designed to build confidence in our learners.
We also provide support for our faculty, offering an array of targeted strategies to assist them help their students. In addition, we are always available with advice and guidance for parents on any learning-related matter. Our regular Parent Information Sessions provide practical advice on developing helpful strategies that ensure that school and home can work in unison for the benefit of each child. We encourage parents to attend these sessions.
This department is not only dynamic by nature, helping any learner according to the identified need, but also working with external providers, strengthening our expertise and care. In consultation with parents, some referrals may be made, as required and appropriate.
English as an Additional Language (EAL)
A student’s knowledge level of English is often just a sign of experience, and so our language learning programme at Renaissance is underpinned by a recognition of the importance of acquiring English together with a deep respect for the mother tongue. It is renowned for its high quality and excellent results.
The School’s EAL programme provides in-class and small group support to English language learners and our highly trained teachers see it as their role to work collaboratively with parents, students and faculty to ensure all students have the required level of linguistic proficiency to access the curriculum and thrive in their learning.
Renaissance has a fundamental commitment to student wellbeing. Our pastoral programme is integrated into the curriculum and delivered as part of Form Tutors and Homeroom Teachers’ allocated instructional time. The School Counsellor’s role is to support students’ welfare, as well as their academic, career, and personal development. As part of their role, the counsellor works with students to provide short-term individual, small and large group counselling services.
Our counselling service is not therapy. The counsellor is involved in providing personal advice and intervention and may initiate an appropriate referral to external advisors, as and when necessary.