Support and Additional Learning Needs
The Faculty of Learning Support and Additional Needs plays a pivotal role within the Academy. The purpose of this faculty is to ensure that all students regardless of their barriers to learning, experience outstanding personalised teaching and learning alongside, where necessary, relevant, effective packages of support and intervention. All staff are made aware of each individual student’s personal barriers to learning and the strategies that need to be used both in lessons and during other activities in order to overcome these. Student and parent focus groups are an integral part of the development of the faculty and named staff from each faculty provide strong links to every classroom.
The academic progress, attendance and attitude of all students with a special educational need or disability, those who have English as an Additional Language, our Gifted and Talented students and those students who are in danger of falling behind are monitored closely and any identified issues discussed with subject staff in order to find a solution.
Gifted and Talented
Specific provision for Gifted and Talented students and their academic and personal progress will be led by the Director of Learning Support and Additional Needs. Within the personalised learning framework the curriculum across all Key Stages will be designed to address the needs of gifted and talented students. The progress of this group of students is monitored closely. There is also a structured programme of enhanced learning opportunities to further develop and challenge their talents with specific opportunities for extension and enrichment activities across all key stages.
Special Educational Needs and Disabilities
The Thetford Academy plays a full part in the Local Authority overall provision for students with special educational needs through its inclusive approach. On entry to the Academy each student will have a Personal Learning Plan, students on the SEN register have an Individual Education Plan incorporated into this. Students defined as School Action, Action Plus or with a Statement of Special Educational Needs on transfer continue to receive support and are monitored closely by the Faculty of Learning Support and Additional Needs. Where appropriate, students have access to the nurture groups, 1:1 support and other interventions to ensure they receive the required support and make the necessary progress to fulfil their potential. These interventions are balanced by strategies to encourage the growth of independent learning. Within the personalised learning framework support for individuals and groups of students with short and long term needs is available through in-house and multi-agency provision.
Alternative Pathways
The Alternative Pathways programme is available for those students who are unable to access the mainstream curriculum effectively in order to ensure that they are able to achieve at the height of their personal potential. It is run by highly skilled practitioners who ensure that these students receive the greatest opportunity to succeed. The Alternate Pathways programme endeavours to improve students’ literacy, numeracy and social skills as well as engage students and their families in the learning process in order to develop healthy attitudes towards learning.
English as an Additional Language
Students who have English as an Additional Language study the full National Curriculum. English is learnt through the curriculum and students with EAL are encouraged to play a full part in class activities. The Faculty of Learning Support and Additional Needs identifies individual student’s needs, via a number of assessment tools, and recognises the skills each individual brings to school. Students are then set according to their cognitive ability rather than their level of English language acquisition and relevant support regarding language acquisition provided as necessary throughout the time the student attends the Academy.
