Learning Support provides the additional support students need to engage and achieve in school to realise their God-given potential and talents. The team works to collaboratively find practical strategies and resources to support the diverse needs of all students at Bethlehem College; ensuring that all BC students feel included, cared for and safe on their learning journey.
In 2021 we opened the dedicated Learning Centre. This is a welcoming space for students with identified learning differences to spend time in a peaceful place with optional activities. The room is open and staffed with a Teacher Aide at interval and lunchtime. It is a safe, relaxed area where students can interact together, away but still involved in general school activity.
Learning enrichment offers students additional literacy and reading support through Teacher Aides in Primary classes and for those students in Years 7/8, identified as most in need and likely to benefit, this is provided as an out-of-class programme.
The Ongoing Resource Scheme (ORS) and In-Class-Support (ICS) students are the priority recipients of Teacher Aide allocations. These are sometimes coupled with other students to provide increased cover. Allocation of Teacher Aide hours over and above ORS and ICS funded students, is determined through discussion between Assistant Heads, SENCo, and classroom teachers.
Students who have physical disabilities or learning difficulties that inhibit their ability to demonstrate their learning during assessments or exams, may meet the criteria to be provided with assistance such as: Braille or enlarged paper, reader, computer use or writer, separate accommodation, extra time, and/or rest breaks. The school provides screen testing as part of the process of providing evidence for such an application to NZQA.
'I will instruct you and teach you in the way you should go; I will counsel you with my loving eye on you' (Psalm 32:8).