James Gillespie's High School

All children and young people have entitlement to an educational experience of the highest quality. We are committed to the effective inclusion of all pupils in the life of the school. The Special Educational Needs of any individual pupil can be described as whatever is necessary for that young person to gain access to a broad and balanced curriculum. For most pupils most of the time the source of support will be the class room teacher.

The Learning Support Department offers assistance in a number of ways: publishing annual advice giving information about the needs of particular pupils together with a strategies pack offering advice on how to deal with various difficulties; direct teaching in subject classes or in a tutorial setting; support by Learning Assistants in class; working co-operatively in classes and in consultation with subject teachers to help make the curriculum accessible for all pupils; organising the Befrienders scheme where sixth year pupils support first years in a variety of classes; working with parents, Guidance, subject and other professionals to assess needs and to set and monitor targets; and administering the SQA special exam arrangements for those with specific learning difficulties.