Learning Support

The Learning Support Department provides assistance to all members of the school community. This includes individual advice, one-to-one help, group or whole-class support, and guidance for teaching and support staff. We also oversee testing to facilitate exam access arrangements.

Some students arrive with diagnosed difficulties, while others may be identified during their time at Campbell through a process of screening and careful observation by our teachers. We take pride in our open-door policy and mentor many students throughout the school to help them achieve their potential.

The Department is staffed by a SENCo, a Learning Support Assistant, and a team of Classroom Assistants. It is based in a well-resourced area of the school comprising a large classroom, dedicated literacy and numeracy rooms, an IT suite, four individual study rooms, an exam computer room, and a sensory/time-out room.

CAMPBELL IS BEST FOR STUDENTS WITH ADDITIONAL NEEDS – BY DESIGN

Firstly, our classes are streamed by ability. While these are all Grammar streams covering the same content and assessments -this structure allows for differentiation in teaching styles. High achievers are challenged with additional material and extension tasks. Those requiring more support benefit from increased repetition (overlearning), scaffolding of tasks, and an adjusted pace.

All students with a specific learning profile are identified to teachers, who have access to a summary of specialist reports and suggested strategies to support the student in class.

To assist with organisation, we use the Firefly app, which manages timetables, homework, and resources. Teachers post homework and deadlines directly to the app—replacing traditional homework diaries. If beneficial, homework can be completed digitally and uploaded directly to the teacher. Additionally, most subjects issue ‘Tuff Bags’ for boys to keep their books and materials together; this significantly improves organisation and reduces lost items. Work is well-scaffolded, and most subjects use booklets to keep work ordered and complete. Resources are usually available on Firefly, allowing students to catch up easily if they miss a lesson.

At GCSE, students can choose between 7.5 and 10.5 GCSEs. This flexibility ensures students are assigned a pace and workload they can manage. We offer Study Support classes, providing time during the week to work on coursework, get ahead on homework, or receive 1-1 help. We also offer practical subjects such as Drama, Motor Vehicle & Road User Studies and Physical Education.

Our A-Level curriculum is equally broad. Alongside standard A-Levels, we offer BTEC Sport (as a one A-Level equivalent Subsidiary Diploma or two A-Level equivalent Diploma) and A-Level Sports Science & the Active Leisure Industry. We also offer BTEC and A-Level Business Studies, as well as BTEC Travel and Tourism.

MY SON HAS DYSLEXIA –WHAT SUPPORT WILL HE GET?

At Campbell College, we are committed to ensuring that every student with a dyslexia diagnosis is supported to reach his academic potential. All diagnosed students are identified to teaching staff, who have access to profiles summarising specialist reports and outlining suitable classroom strategies.

Teachers are experienced in supporting students with dyslexia and show compassion and understanding. Our classrooms are "Dyslexia Friendly," displaying keywords and concepts and utilizing visual aids where possible. Work is scaffolded using writing frames and booklets, backed up by resources on Firefly. Teachers across all subjects work hard to help students improve their literacy.

In Year 8, we run a short course on reading confidence; the English Department can also refer students to our specialist literacy teacher for 1-1 help. In Years 9–10, we offer a timetabled literacy/numeracy support class as an alternative to a second Modern Language. This provides structured support in these key areas for the two years preceding GCSEs.

At GCSE, we ensure students take the right number and range of subjects. They can select a ‘Study Support’ class and take fewer subjects than their peers. If they prefer a skills-based curriculum, we offer options like Motor Vehicle & Road User Studies, Drama, PE, and Moving Image Arts. Students are not required to take a language or triple science at GCSE, nor are they required to take English Literature if they need to focus solely on English Language.

MY SON HAS ADHD – WHAT SUPPORT WILL HE GET?

Students are identified to teachers at the start of the academic year so appropriate seating plans can be arranged. Teachers also review a profile document detailing suggested strategies.

Students with attention difficulties are usually given preferred seating (often near the front) and are prompted regularly by teachers. They are often seated near a supportive peer who can model on-task behaviour. Movement breaks may be permitted, although the nature of a 6-period day usually provides sufficient movement.

Students with ADHD benefit greatly from Firefly, which keeps deadlines organised and allows digital uploads. They also benefit from the ‘Tuff Bag’ and subject booklet system, which keeps work together and chronologically ordered.

Literacy and numeracy support as well as Friendship groups are also available in Year 8 for those who need it.

Finally, Tutors play a key role in building a relationship with the student and guiding them through social and academic life. We recognize that this relationship is vital, especially for students with ADHD.

MY SON HAS ASD – WHAT SUPPORT WILL HE GET?

Students with a diagnosis are identified to teachers via a background document summarising reports and suggested strategies.

Students are usually given preferred seating and placed with empathetic peers who can model work and behaviour. Our teachers are trained and experienced in supporting students with ASD, and we employ robust strategies to manage behaviour and ensure our students feel supported both inside and outside the classroom.

We work hard to build connections and foster the sense of belonging that is central to Campbell. Tutors play a pivotal role in guiding students through social and academic challenges, helping to build connections through House events and maintaining strong relationships with home.

Within every Year 8 class, we run a short program for small groups designed to support social skills, friendship building, and a sense of belonging. Literacy and numeracy support is also available in Year 8. Boys also benefit from our organisational structure, including Firefly, Tuff Bags, and booklets.

ADDITIONAL SUPPORT IN YEAR 8

Literacy

Better Reading Partner Programme
Extra support sessions run by English teachers (after school)
1-1 Literacy help (by referral from English Dept)

Numeracy

Numeracy programme for identified students
Extra support sessions run by Maths teachers (lunch or after school)
Logins to MyMaths for individual improvement

Social

‘Friendship groups’ within Year 8 classes
Lego Club (3 days a week)
‘Lunchtime Club’ (every day in Learning Support)
House system and House events

OTHER LEARNING SUPPORT PROVISION INCLUDES:

Years 9-10: Timetabled literacy and numeracy classes
1:1 Sessions: Study Skills, Revision, Handwriting, Essay Writing
Social: Lego Club, Lunchtime Group
External Support: ASD workshops via Specialisterne; Referral to Educational Psychologists
Parental Advice: Guidance on medical issues (ADHD, Autism, Mental Health) and GCSE subject choices
Technology: Training on Read&Write Gold software
Exams: Testing for Access Arrangements

"Learning Support helped me study more efficiently and more productively. The atmosphere and environment is joyful and hardworking, with very caring and helpful staff. I’m always glad every time I go there”
Year 11 pupil, Study class