Learning Support

Toko i te ako

The vision of our Learning Support team is to accelerate and support the learning of students experiencing challenges with their studies. Our staff will support every child in a safe, caring and non-judgemental environment.

Learning Support Programme

The Learning Support programme is run by highly qualified teachers whose fields of expertise include special education needs, thinking and learning extension programmes, and student counselling. Our staff aim to build self-esteem and confidence and support students to be independent and resilient learners.

Reading and language support is offered for students experiencing challenges and study support is available to senior students. Support is based on individual student needs and is priority assessed.

Learning Support Objectives

Our Learning Support staff have measures in place to meet the following objectives:

develop learners who are resilient and who embrace challenges in their learning journey;
identify all the students in the Secondary School who have learning challenges and have programmes and support in place to assist them;
accelerate the learning of students who have been identified as having learning delays and be able to measure the extent of their progress;
effectively implement the direct instruction and precision teaching programmes – particularly in Years 9 and 10;
provide the necessary programmes and support required to ensure that learning is accelerated for those students with learning challenges and be able to measure the effect of all the instructional programmes and support provided;
ensure students who qualify for special assessment conditions get the conditions they require;
make certain the learning and social needs of our high needs students are being met.

Accelerated Learning

St Andrew’s understands that students with learning delays must have their learning accelerated. We use the 'Morningside Model of Generative Instruction', an evidence-based programme of learning.

Originating in the United States, the 'Morningside Model’ develops students’ mastery of the fundamentals in mathematics, writing and reading. Click here for further information about the Morningside Programme.

Student Independence

St Andrew’s does everything to provide the best support for students with learning delays. Simultaneously we foster independence so that no child is entirely reliant on the support provided. Our staff are aware that a culture of ‘learned helplessness’ advantageous to students in the long term. Our aim is to develop learners who are resilient and who embrace challenges in their learning journey.

Response to Intervention

St Andrew’s uses Response to Intervention (RTI), a tiered framework designed to improve student learning outcomes. This approach enables us to develop and monitor effective support programmes for students within the learning support environment. RTI interventions may include teacher-aide support, literacy groups, supported study, and / or Vocational Education and Training.

Special Assessment Conditions (NCEA)

We ensure students who qualify for special assessment conditions (SACs) receive them for NCEA. Our staff fully inform students and parents about the processes and procedures.

Further Information

Learning Support
For further information about Learning Support, please contact Head of Learning Support, Amiria Rule, on ARU@stac.school.nz.

Accelerated Learning
For further information about Accelerated Learning please contact Head of Accelerated Learning – Secondary, Brett Clark, on BCR@stac.school.nz.

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