Learning Support
"The learning support department and team are fab. I started my journey in sixth form on L2 Art and then progressed to L3 Art. The art teachers are very helpful and my learning support assistants fully understand my needs and know what support I need to learn and succeed.
Accompanying me on visits to galleries, workshops and work experience, they have encouraged me to reflect and evaluate critically the meaning of the art work which is both fun and stimulating! I have grown so much in confidence here at St Charles with their support. I have come a long way and I am now really aspirational about my future."
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 newly refurbished ALS accommodation which is a specialist provision for students with a specific diagnosis of Autism Spectrum Disorder/Condition (ASD).
Please contact Mary McHugh, Head of Learning Support to discuss any aspect of the provision.
Contact Head of Learning Support, Ms Mary McHugh
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.
Hamida - Student Testimonial
"The Learning Support Department at St Charles has helped me make progress with my studies and grow in confidence in my abilities, which in turn has boosted my self-esteem. I also have become more independent through being challenged by my learning assistant to produce a higher quality of work and my resilience has increased. My writing and comprehension skills dramatically improved also as a result of the small classes for GCSE English and I value the targeted support that I receive in Maths, as it helps me answer questions that in the past I found incredibly difficult. The Learning Support department area itself is spacious and welcoming and it has provided me with the opportunities to mix with a cross range of students and build friendships." - Hamida B, BTEC L2 Travel & Tourism student
Charles W. C - Student Testimonial
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.
Angel - Student Testimonial
I am in my final year at St Charles studying L3 Performing Arts. This course has been truly superb as I have been exposed to a wide range of performances such as acting, singing and dancing.
The support I have received from the learning support department has been exceptional! My learning support assistants, Sky and Joe, who with my teacher Ms Nash, have helped me get to where I am today. The fact they are all industry experts has been invaluable and inspirational.
The variety of enriching opportunities I have had access to has been motivational such as numerous theatre visits and workshops working with directors and performers across the disciplines and I am so very proud that I have been given the opportunity to do a scholarship at LAMDA as well. This is something that was inconceivable for me when I started on my journey and I know I wouldn’t be in this position now had it not been for the support I have had from my learning support assistants and teachers. Thank you all!
Isha - Student Testimonial
This is my 1st year at St Charles, studying Level 2 Health and Social Care. I am really enjoying my course and being in the college environment which feels inclusive and safe. The learning support area is a lovely, welcoming space to come to study in and socialise.
My course is stimulating as I am learning about what’s involved in healthcare. I am really pleased with and appreciative of the support I am getting on my course both in and out of class.
The fact that my learning support assistant, Anita, is a qualified nurse with expert subject knowledge has been so helpful in me understanding the content and the skills needed to successfully pursue my career in the industry.
She gives me confidence in my ability to achieve and progress on my course and I am now looking forward to my upcoming work experience in the field.
Navinu - Student Testimonial
I love studying at St Charles, and so much more than in secondary school. I come to college every day with a smile on my face! I really value the support I get at St Charles.
The learning support department and team are fab. I started my journey in sixth form on L2 Art and then progressed to L3 Art. The art teachers are very helpful and my learning support assistants fully understand my needs and know what support I need to learn and succeed. Their own interest and expertise in the subject have encouraged my creativity, imagination and artistry and is helping prepare me for a career in the field, of which there are many.
Accompanying me on visits to galleries, workshops and work experience, they have encouraged me to reflect and evaluate critically the meaning of the art work which is both fun and stimulating! I have grown so much in confidence here at St Charles with their support. I have come a long way and I am now really aspirational about my future.
Documents
| Page Downloads |
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| SEND Policy v2024 03. |
| SEND Information Report 2024 |