Academics

Learning Support is provided at St. Gabriel’s in order to reinforce concepts. Within a week fromReception, Middle Infants to Top Infants, your child might attend sessions for a maximum of 5 hoursa week, which is broken down over 3 days. It is very commonfor many pupils at some point duringtheir time at St Gabriel's school to pass through some form of additional learning support. If yourchild is recommended by their class teacher to attend Learning Support, the strategy behind themutilising this facility is simply they didn't grasp a particular module over a period of time or they mightbecome easily distracted within their main class setting. We believe that some children do benefittremendously from a small class setting both academically and socially. This additional resource candraw out their full potential having concentrated one to one support within a small group. We believethat 'Learning Support', here at St Gabriel's School, is an extension of their classroom setting; andthe expectations still remain high.

Learning Support is provided at St. Gabriel’s in order to reinforce concepts. Within a week from Reception, Middle Infants to Top Infants, your child might attend sessions for a maximum of 5 hours a week, which is broken down over 3 days. It is very common for many pupils at some point during their time at St Gabriel’s school to pass through some form of additional learning support.

If your child is recommended by their class teacher to attend Learning Support, the strategy behind them utilising this facility is simply they didn’t grasp a particular module over a period of time or they might become easily distracted within their main class setting. We believe that some children do benefit tremendously from a small class setting both academically and socially. This additional resource can draw out their full potential having concentrated one to one support within a small group. We believe that ‘Learning Support’, here at St Gabriel’s School, is an extension of their classroom setting; and the expectations still remain high.

Pupils are offered extra Maths and English support if required whilst they are in J1 or 2 with Mrs Williams. When pupils go up to J3 & 4 they will have the same opportunity of extra learning support from Mrs Joseph. The same children are not always sent to attend these additional sessions unless required as the facility is there for all pupils to access if their class teacher feels they need reinforcements in a particular area. Once it has been demonstrated, consistently, that the pupil has conquered the said concept they struggled with originally, they will then remain in their main class setting for Maths or English. Some children may need support in both English and Maths. During these classes the Learning Support teacher liaises with the main class teacher and targets the extra support according to the children’s areas of need. The setting for this area of Learning Support is a small class setting which enables the pupil to grasp the concept with either one of these teachers guiding them through every step.

The beauty about these classes is that all pupils attending will be taught in a way that supports their individual learning style as they follow the main curriculum set throughout the school.

There are two teachers in these classes which allows each child to receive one to one support wherever necessary, while developing their independent learning. Not only do we focus on their academic abilities but also their confidence levels and emotional stability within reason. We believe in looking at a child in a holistic way in order for them to be able to produce “their” best. High expectations are always being set for each individual.

Your child will be assessed throughout each term to ensure they are reaching their goals and whether or not they need more reinforcement in a particular area. At the end of terms 1 and 3 all pupils will be required to take a reading assessment which focuses on their literal comprehension, reading for meaning, appreciation for reading and phonic knowledge.

J1 & J2 are combined classes for the lower Juniors and J3 & J4 classes are combined for the upper juniors however the class as a whole are often taught in small groups w hich allows each child to focus on their years’ work.

Within these classes the teachers teach Maths, English, Social Studies, spelling, hand writing science, computers and Art. In J3 and J4 science is taught by Mr Smith.

The pupils attend PE, Scripture Spanish and Music with their assigned class. J3 and J4 students also mainstream for Science and Drama. It is possible for children who have been in lower Junior Learning Support to return to mainstream classes upon the recommendation of the class teacher and depending upon whether consistent academic achievement has been attained over the two years. We endeavour to equip your child with all the tools necessary in order for them to attend their assigned class.

We prefer to keep lines of communication open with parents so that we can all make sure we understand what the child requires and why at all times.