Complementing and reflecting the ethos of Emmanuel College, the Individualised Learning Department seeks to ensure that every child matters and is able to achieve his/her potential, within a Christian environment. The department exists to remove barriers to learning, and to encourage and train other departments to do likewise, working in a collaborative manner. The Learning Support team works closely alongside the wider Pastoral team.

”My son is in one of the lower sets and before joining the school, friends had voiced how he might feel under pressure in such an outstanding school in relation to results. I am thrilled that this has been the complete opposite. My son is learning that effort and pride bring about self- worth and their own rewards." [Parental comment in Ofsted Report, April 2006]

There are five Individualised Learning Department staff members, of whom all are educated to at least graduate level:

• The Individualised Learning Co-ordinator and Pastoral Head - MEd Language Disorder, PGCE Dyslexia, Diploma in the Education of Children with Special Needs (Member of NASEA)
• One full–time LSA — MA Hons. Higher Level Teaching Assistant
• One full–time LSA — BEd (Hons.)
• One part-time LSA Teachning Assistant Level 3
• One part-time LSA BA (Hons.) PGCE

A spirit of enterprise is encouraged where students can gain assurance and present information in a secure environment; this burgeoning independence is then transferred across the curriculum.

Students are encouraged to devise scenarios, action-plans and reviews through the pedagogic approach of the department embedded particularly in the ASDAN course. The teaching staff are accredited CoPE (Certificate of Personal Effectiveness) trainers who will develop this approach. In Year 8 an intensive literacy and numeracy course is offered to a small number of students to prepare them for the demands of GCSE.

The department offers:

• Small-group teaching
• In-class support
• Special multi-sensory programmes eg Successmaker, Beat Dyslexia, Toe by Toe
• Reading Mentors Scheme
• Access to external agencies eg Education Psychologists, Connexions, Emotional Well-Being Team
• In-house assessment and testing for dyslexia and language disorders
• Supported vocational training
• Homework Club
• Individual Education Plans
• Access arrangements for exams
• Pastoral liaison
• ASDAN course at KS3 and CoPE at KS4

College currently makes provision for students with a range of needs including:

• Dyslexia
• Dyscalculia
• Dyspraxia
• ADHD & other co-ordination difficulties
• Autistic Spectrum Disorder
• Speech & Language Disorders (including semantic pragmatic disorder)
• Sensory Impairment
• Medical and Physical needs