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Learning Support

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Students with high needs are taught by staff who provide extensive specialist support to cater extremely well for their needs. Teachers provide highly individualised one-to-one teaching to help students with high needs make exceptionally rapid progress in developing the skills and knowledge they need to move on to the next stage of their education. They work very effectively with learning support assistants to set suitably challenging targets and they monitor students’ progress closely.

- Ofsted 2025

The Additional Learning Support Department at St Charles Catholic Sixth Form College has a strong reputation for providing high quality and individually tailored support for students with a variety of identified needs. The Department adopts a holistic approach to support and our aim is to affect positive change for all students with a Special Educational Need and Disability (including students with an Education and Health Care Plan) and other vulnerable students by helping them achieve their chosen learning goals and future ambitions.

We provide ALS for students who fall into the 4 categories of need as per the SEND Code of Practice in addition to providing support for students with English as an Additional Language, those with medical needs and those in receipt of exam concessions. Our experienced and specialist ALS team of teachers and teaching assistants work in partnership with students, their families and multi-disciplinary teams of professionals, including but not exclusively, education providers, speech & language and occupational therapists, mental health professionals, vision and hearing support services. We work to remove barriers that prevent individuals from accessing the curriculum, enabling them to achieve their potential and prepare them for their next steps and adulthood.

Students are supported in an inclusive and nurturing environment through appropriate one to one or shared in class support. In addition, students receive individual or small group out of class support in our ALS accommodation which is regularly used by students for their timetabled sessions and during break and lunchtime.

Please contact Mary McHugh, Head of Learning Support to discuss any aspect of the provision.

 

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All staff, parents and visitors have a statutory responsibility to safeguard and promote the welfare of students. Please click here for more information on safeguarding.

Alexander B - Student Experience

Alexander joined St Charles from Cardinal Wiseman School and has now completed his second year at the college. He studied BTEC Level 3 ICT alongside A-Level Business and completed a really interesting Extended Project Qualification (EPQ), where he explored the ethical restrictions of Artificial Intelligence. This mix of coursework allowed Alex to develop both practical digital skills and academic research abilities.

When asked, what has been his most memorable moment during his time at St. Charles? Alex says his happiest memory is “the support I received from Learning Support and the community to participate in a variety of trips, visits, volunteering etc. as well as the confidence I’ve gained” during his time at St Charles. and what has been his greatest accomplishment? Alex highlighted “his Cisco Ambassador role, the successful completion of his EPQ, and gaining paid employment through volunteering as his proudest achievements—each showing initiative, growth, and leadership!

Charles W. C - Student Experience

My experience at College is positive and motivating. I like the LSA’s and TA’s supporting me to do my college work. 

I enjoy my courses at St Charles College because they make me excited to learn. I did my Level 1 Work Experience in the Hyatt Hotel in Portman Square in the Housekeeping and Culinary departments. I enjoyed my work experience very much. 

Next year, I will do my Level 1 English and Maths, followed by GCSE English and Maths. In Addition, I will do the Level 2 Travel and Tourism course.

My LSA’s and TA’s as usually quite relaxed, very supportive, warm and caring. I respect them and find working together fun. 

The Enrichment that I am currently doing is printmaking, ceramics and Photography with my TA’s. I did sketching and tracing on West Bromwich Albion players. I will put them up on my wall at home.

My goals for my future are to get good GCSE results. If I pass my GCSE Maths and English, then I can train to become a chef and sommelier one day.

Jamal - Student Experience

Jamal came to St Charles from Woodlane High School, He studied L3 Extended Certificate in Sport, having progressed internally from L2 Sport and previously L1 Business. St Charles have had the pleasure of having Jamal for 4 years in our community.

When asked, what has been his most memorable moment during his time at St. Charles? Jamal stated “One of my happiest memories at St. Charles was during the time when I took part in a fun run e.g. 1-Mile race around St. Charles Square. I enjoyed taking part in the event; it was a fun activity filled with lots of laughter and great moments” and what has been his greatest accomplishment? He said “My greatest achievement at college has been successfully completing Level 2 and Level 3 qualifications in Sports where I secured distinction grades that reflected my hard work and dedication which I am very proud of.”

Hamida - Student Experience

Hamida came from Woodlane High School in White City and has been with us for a number of years. Hamida successfully completed and passed her Vocational Studies Level 1 with a DM grade. In her second year she studied Level 2 Art & Design course receiving a Double Merit (MM) and then explored the Travel & Tourism pathway, passing again with a Double Merit (MM). She has now successfully completed her BTEC Level 3 in Travel & Tourism with predicted grades of DM. Hamida has grown tremendously throughout her journey at St Charles and feels she challenged herself to achieve her potential.

When asked, what has been her most memorable moment during her time at St. Charles? Hamida informs us that “she particularly enjoyed the Department trips such as bowling along with enjoying the famous pizza parties in the LS Department. Additionally, when she went on trips with her Travel & Tourism class to places such as Winter Wonderland and YHA, Youth, Hostel Association. She also thoroughly enjoyed the visits during Cultural Capital.” What has been her greatest accomplishment? Hamida informs us that “she’s incredibly proud of the transition she made from High School to College achieving academically, starting on L1 but now achieving Level 3, equivalent to 2 A Levels; she is very proud of herself!”

Navinu - Student Experience

Navinu has had a fabulous journey during his 3 years at St. Charles. He joined us from West London Free School enrolling on L2 Art & Design with GCSE English and Maths and progressed successfully to L3 Art & Design where he is well on target to achieve his target grades. He has a remarkable few years at St. Charles availing of a range of opportunities.

When asked, what has been his most memorable moment during his time at St. Charles? Navinu stated “visiting London landmarks with my friends as part of our Cultural Capital programme” and what has been his greatest accomplishment? He said “my grades in GCSE English and Maths, Art, getting hands on experience in the IT Services Department which has opened up career options for me.

Documents

Page Downloads Date  
SEND Policy v2024 03. 17th Jan 2025 Download
SEND Information Report 2024 24th Apr 2024 Download