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1Learning Support
2Our Learning Support Co-ordinator Our Learning Support Department continues to grow as every year more and more parents are entrusting us to meet the individual needs of their children, confident that all students in our college are given every opportunity to thrive.WelcomeMy name is Keira Armstrong and it is my privilege to work with and care for all the pupils with additional needs at St. Benedict’s College. Every day I feel so lucky and blessed to lead a dynamic and caring team of Learning Support Assistants and coordinate a committed, hard-working teaching staff who nurture and support every child to reach their true potential. We understand that transitioning from Primary School to Post Primary can be exceptionally daunting for both parents and young people, so a lot of care goes into making the transition as smooth as possible. To meet the needs of young people we have several resources and strategies in place which have proven to be effective for all our children with additional needs. To assist you in making the important decision on which school to select for your child, we wanted to illustrate what support your child can expect when they join the St. Benedict’s family through the voices of the children themselves and the professional team who work with them. If you require clarification or have any questions please do not hesitate to contact me. Yours in partnership.Keira Armstrong Learning Support Co-ordinator“
3Excellence in education is when we do everything, we can to make sure they become everything that they can.
Our Mission for Learning SupportEmpowerment The Learning Support Team at St. Benedict’s College, in partnership with home, strives to promote excellence in Special Educational Needs. We have one simple goal; to EMPOWER our young people and support them in developing the skills and qualities needed to enjoy success. It is our mission for all learners to feel included, respected and valued while they are in school and to leave us ready to become happy and thriving contributors to society. 4
5EEQUALITY AND INCLUSIONMMEANINGFUL PROGRESSPPOSITIVE RELATIONSHIPSOOPPORTUNITIES TO HAVE THEIR VOICE HEARDWWARMTH, RESPECT AND NURTUREEEXTERNAL AND INTERNAL SUPPORTRROLES OF RESPONSIBILIY
6Our Support Package for Children with Additional NeedsPERSONAL LEARNING PLANSPRIVATE SCHOOL TOURSPUPIL PASSPORTSBUDDY SYSTEMMULTI-SENSORY ROOMSMALLER CLASS SIZES
7VISUAL TIMETABLESYEAR 12 STUDENT LEADERSHIP MENTORSSENSORY TOOLKITSPE UNIFORM CONCESSION ON DESIGNATED DAYSEARLY CANTEEN PASS SUPERVISED LIBRARY SPACE AT BREAK AND LUNCHREDUCED TIMETABLESASSIGNED LEARNING SUPPORT ASSISTANT TO EACH YEAR 8 CLASS IN TERM ONE
It shouldn’t matter how slowly a child learns as long as we are encouraging them not to stop.8
9“As a Year 8 Form Teacher I keep track of how you are getting on every day. I will be the first to praise you and will always encourage you to do your best. It’s also my job to know your needs and check that you are ok; ready to begin your school day. It’s important for you to know that I am always here, and your form room is always open for you. Mrs Emer Magill - Year 8 Form Teacher“I deliver a literacy support programme to Year 8 students, one to one and in small groups. I meet with students once a week in the school library where there are plenty of resources, including games that we play. My motto is ‘learn through laughter’ because the learning will not be easily forgotten. It is very important to us that you are happy and confident with your literacy skills, but if you are not, we will be here to listen and to help you in any way possible.Mary Mati - Learning Support Assistant & Literacy Support Teacher I have worked here since 1993 and it is a job, I feel privileged to be in. When I meet you in September, I know your needs and I know your Individual Education Plan. I have many strategies up my sleeve to help support you in achieving your goals. It’s so important you feel supported in a strange and new environment because it enhances your ability to learn. As an LSA, it is my job to make sure you feel happy and safe so that you can experience success in our school. Mrs Joan Brady - Learning Support Assistant“Our Team“As a Governor of St Benedict’s College, with responsibility for Special Educational Needs, my role is to have oversight of the development, implementation and monitoring of provision for children in St Benedict’s. I work closely with our Learning Support Co-ordinator, Mrs Armstrong, who is a deeply committed, highly motivated professional. She is focused on enabling each child to achieve their personal best, ensuring challenging, stimulating learning experiences, with personalised, focused support. Her commitment to the children and their families is inspirational.Mrs Barbara Ward - SEN Governor
Miss Megan Hutchinson Newcomer Support TeacherHere at St. Benedict’s, we have a rich and diverse school population. We provide a warm and welcoming environment where all students are welcomed, accepted and valued. We work hard to meet the pastoral, curricular and linguistic and needs of all newcomer EAL students.When students arrive to our school we assess each student’s English language proficiency using the Common European Framework of Reference for Language (CEFR). Extra literacy support classes are provided on a small group basis and students will be given the opportunity to take GCSE exams in their home language, where possible.To ensure that our written and spoken communication with families is effective, interpreters and translated letters are used. Interpreters can be arranged throughout the year for Parent/Teacher meetings. Support from the charity Barnardo’s helps with school enrolment and assimilation into school life.St. Benedict’s places high importance on embracing the cultural identities of each student. It is our job to ensure that students can see their language, culture and identity reflected in the classroom and the wider school.Opportunities for promoting and celebrating diversity include:• Having multi-lingual signs and displays throughout the school• Making accommodations across all areas of the curriculum• Providing targeted extra-curricular activities• Organising special assemblies and celebrations (e.g. European Day of Languages and Schools Speak Arabic Event)• Having a designated areas for private prayer• Provision of Halal and Vegan foods in the school canteen10
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12“Sean Convery (8H) Past Pupil of Mount St Michael’s Primary SchoolParent and Pupil VoiceI feel happy and safe in school and get lots of support from Ellen my Learning Support Assistant. Ellen helps me with my spellings and handwriting and is helping me build my confidence. My favourite subjects are Art and PE as they don’t require much writing. If I have a problem I know I can speak to Mrs Armstrong, Ellen or my form teacher Mrs O’Neill and any worries I have always get sorted out. The thought of coming to Secondary School was very scary but now I am here I love it. I’ve joined the school football team and tested myself by getting involved in Performing Arts. This has really helped me to build confidence and new friends.“Fiona Convery ParentAs a parent of an anxious child, I’m grateful for the incredible support provided by the staff at St. Benedict’s College. Their guidance and care have been instrumental in helping my child settle in smoothly. The school’s commitment to fostering a nurturing atmosphere has significantly eased my child’s transition, allowing him to feel more at ease and confident. This support network coupled with the parents’ app allows us to check positive comments made by teachers throughout the day, offering reassurance and keeping us informed about our child’s progress and experiences at school. The Pastoral Care Team has been invaluable in ensuring my child’s successful integration into the school community and we are very grateful for their help.
13If they can’t learn the way we teach, we must teach the way they learn.
14A final note from our School Principal Thank you for your interest in St. Benedict’s College, a school that is fully committed to supporting all our learners achieve their very best. I hope you have gained an insight into the St. Benedict’s Team, a team of approachable, caring and empathetic professionals who go the extra mile, every day, to ensure that all the children in their care enjoy their school experience. We hope the student, parent and staff voice included in this booklet has been of interest to you and has helped you to learn more about what we do, in practical terms, to support children and their parents in making the transition from Primary to Post Primary School. I imagine some of you will have concerns and questions in relation to your child’s specific needs, I would encourage you to contact myself or Mrs Armstrong to discuss them. Our ability to work in close partnership with our parents is something we are very proud of. It is key to ensuring that every student, who is a member of the St. Benedict’s family, is empowered to be happy, safe and successful. We look forward to hearing from you… Catriona McAteer
15Every Child is gifted; they just unwrap their packages at dierent times.
St. Benedict’s College5 Craigstown Rd, Randalstown, Antrim, BT41 2AF028 9447 2411 / info@stbenedicts.randalstown.ni.sch.ukwww.stbenedictscollege.co.ukEvery Child deserves a Champion, an adult who will never give up on them, who understands the power of connection and insists that they become the best they can possibly be.Rita Pierson