Tuition in the Department
Our aim is to support students within the curriculum, rather than to create a separate dyslexia unit, and the approach used is a combination of individual tuition for specific problem areas, with general academic counselling and study-skills teaching.
Students are normally seen individually, but occasionally in pairs, by the department's teachers. Specific literacy problems are identified, then tackled using a structured, cumulative approach based on the work of the Dyslexia Institute. Computer programmes are used to support work on spelling, vocabulary and reading; word-processing is also available.
When necessary, work is carried out on handwriting, aiming to establish a consistent script which will stay legible under pressure.
Every effort is made to improve overall performance through study skills, teaching students how to plan essays, organise preps, revise and take exams. Contact is maintained with parents as often as possible, personally and by telephone, in order to share progress and difficulties.
Each student has an Individual Education Plan (IEP) which summarises strengths and weaknesses, defining problems and offering specific strategies and targets. These IEPs are seen by all teachers and by the students to whom they refer. They are reviewed at least annually.