Learning Support

The Learning Support Department at Box Hill School supports students' specific learning difficulties. We mainly specialise in students with dyslexia or dyspraxia. The Learning Support teachers work with and build on students’ strengths whilst supporting their weaknesses. At senior level this involves learning study skill techniques to help cope with weaknesses in working memory, speed of processing and organisational difficulties. The department works in a multi-sensory way to help reinforce the individual’s learning style.

Two Individual Educational Plans (IEP) are provided each year for every student and their targets are created in consultation with both the student and their teachers in English and Maths. We will also carry out internal testing to ascertain a student’s progress for: spelling, single word reading and passage reading. Access Arrangement testing is also undertaken.

Depending on need, students are given access to assisted technology software such as Dragon Speak and study skill programmes such as Inspiration for Mindmapping. The use of laptops is also encouraged for those who have dyspraxic tendencies and cannot manage to process information at speed or read their handwriting. We provide learning aids such as Move n’sit wedges to help those who need to concentrate more.

Lessons are usually carried out on a one-to-one basis for an hour in either Literacy or Maths. We provide in class support assistants for the lower ability sets in English, Maths and Science. 

The department understands that every student is individual and has their own specific needs. Programmes of intervention are tailored to support each individual’s needs.