The Department - some things we do
Information Technology
As well as supporting pupils in class and providing them with tutorial programmes in the Learning Support Base, we encourage and help pupils to use the technology that is available. This includes:
As well as supporting pupils in class and providing them with tutorial programmes in the Learning Support Base, we encourage and help pupils to use the technology that is available. This includes:
- ipods for listening to stories
- kindles for listening to and reading books
- alphasmarts and netbooks for use in class and for homework.
Cooking
We take preparing young people for life beyond school seriously and with this in mind, many pupils have the opportunity to cook in our purpose built kitchen.
A number of pupils plan, shop for the ingredients and cook on a weekly basis.
We take preparing young people for life beyond school seriously and with this in mind, many pupils have the opportunity to cook in our purpose built kitchen.
A number of pupils plan, shop for the ingredients and cook on a weekly basis.
Once a month a group of pupils plan and prepare and cook lunch for themselves in a shared meal. If staff are lucky, they get invited too!
Literacy
- Every year we organise a Paired Reading scheme for pupils in S1 and S2. S6 pupils are trained to deliver the programme.
- We run a "Reading Recovery programme" each year that targets pupils in first year who would benefit from a boost to their reading skills. The programme makes use of Literacy Toolkit software that allows pupils to practice their reading with a talking computer. The programme has been very successful over the past four years in boosting the reading ages of the pupils taking part.
- This year we are running a spelling scheme for pupils in S1 to S3. It will be held once a week after school during Wednesday after school study. The scheme will run for 4 weeks initially.
Open Door Policy
- The Learning Support Department operates an open door policy and provides a safe base for a number of pupils who would rather spend their lunch and break time in a room supervised by adults.
- We also supervise a computer room every day at lunchtime that is open to all students. They can use the computers, play games or just have a place to go and chat to their friends.