Additional Support

'Particularly good additional learning support'
'Outstanding educational and social Inclusion' Ofsted (2007)


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Additional Support is for all students who wish to develop their learning and skills. We provide a friendly and welcoming environment where you can work and receive support with your studies. The Additional Support department can be found in classrooms 23.1 and 23.2.  

Additional Support Team 2012

The Additional Support Team

Who's Who in Additional Support

 

Chris

 Chris Edwards
Chris is the manager of Additional Support; she is a specialist teacher and oversees support for all of the students in the college, including exam arrangements, 1:1 support, in class support and general support. Chris works 5 days a week, but is not in on Friday afternoons. She can be found in her office in 23.1 or you can e-mail her on cme@varndean.ac.uk.

Claire

 Claire Kite
Claire is the second in the department in a job share with Sheila. She can usually be found in the Skinny Office next to 23.1. Claire is a specialist teacher; she also assesses students for their exam arrangements. Claire works Mondays, Tuesdays and Wednesdays. You can talk to Claire if you think you need to be assessed for exam arrangements or might benefit from some additional support or you can e-mail her on clk@varndean.ac.uk.

Sheila Sword

 Sheila Sword
Sheila is the second the department in a job share with Claire. She can usually be found in the Skinny Office next to 23.1. Sheila is a specialist teacher; she assesses students and applies for access arrangements for exams. She also co-ordinates support for adult education.  Sheila works Wednesdays, Thursdays and Fridays. You can talk to Sheila if you think you need to be assessed for exam arrangements or might benefit from some additional support or you can e-mail her on shs@varndean.ac.uk.

fiona

 Fi Nicholls
Fi is responsible for the admin side of additional support; she is a good first point of call for students who are seeking support. Fi can sign you up to a general support session and is responsible for registering you each week for your session. Fi can also refer you on to Chris, Sheila or Claire if you feel you need a 1:1.

Chris, Sheila and Claire are supported by a team of teaching assistants who offer in-class and 1:1 support and are based in 23.2

Our team will help you to:

  • manage homework and coursework,
  • improve study skills
  • plan and write essays,
  • undertake research
  • use effective revision  and exam techniques
  • organise your time and your files
  • take and make notes
  • edit and proof-read
  • employ strategies to develop strengths and support weaknesses 

We offer general sessions and groups:

  • Drop in when you need help
  • Register for regular sessions
  • Specialist Maths support
  • GCSE English and Maths support/ homework /coursework club
  • Assistive Technology

additional support

Our individual support includes:

  • 1:1 support, tailored to the individual
  • In-class support
  • Note taking and scribing
  • Loan of I.T. equipment
  • Assessment for exam arrangements
  • A quiet space at lunch or break

Additional support is committed to social and educational inclusion, equal opportunities and the ‘disability equality duty’.

Feedback from students on their experiences in Additional Support

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