St James' School

Other features

Choir school - substantial scholarships and bursaries usually available for choristers.

Special Education Needs

The main Learning Support Unit is in The Old Rectory, a part of St James' School, in a large classroom with very pleasant views. A further room has recently been refurbished in the Preparatory Department. Staff are experienced and sympathetic tutors working with students from Years 1 to 11. Parents may request learning support lessons prior to entry to the School. A class teacher who feels a child shows cause for concern may also seek such support. Initially students visit the unit for a screening test (for language skills disorders or Dyscalculia) parents are then informed of the findings. As a result of this a further test at the Dyslexia Institute may be recommended. The student could then begin a programme of Learning Support for which a fee is charged. An Individual Education Programme (IEP) is then written for the student setting realistic targets. A fresh multi-sensory approach is used to help the student overcome any learning differences. Strategies for self help are taught; strengths and weaknesses are carefully monitored and reports are issued to parents twice a year. A formal Review is held once a year when parents, class/subject tutors, the student and any appropriate outside agencies are invited to attend. Progress is discussed with the student and new targets are set. Parents are also invited to visit The Learning Support Unit on any day, after 3:15pm, to meet the SENCO and discuss any concerns they may have. Liaison between home and school is particularly important for those students who suffer from such problems as dyslexia, dyspraxia, Asperger's syndrome and Attention Deficit Disorder; building confidence and raising self esteem is a vital part of each child's programme. There is also a close liaison with the Head teacher, Departmental Heads and other members of St James' Staff, all of whom receive copies of IEPs with useful classroom strategies, to ensure the best possible support for the students.