Learning Support

Philippa Rendall —

Learning Support is located in B Block. The Learning Support office/staffroom is on the right as you come into the building behind Mr Biddick’s sports office. There are also classrooms (B3 and B5), a tutor room and a Learning Support room (B2) in this area.

There are several staff involved in Learning Support across the school: Ms Rendall is the Learning Support Co-ordinator, Mrs Crawford is our Literacy teacher with Year 9 and 10 classes, Mrs Pugh supports students with Literacy and Numeracy, and Mr Gallagher is the Mathematics support teacher. Ms Hawes supports Gifted and Talented students, and works from H3. Mrs Bland is Head of ESOL, and works from D block. Our teacher aides Mrs Russell, Ms Stocks, Mr Bolger and Mrs Andrews also support students and classes across the school.

We are all happy to help with any queries, study support or tuition.

If you are concerned about your child, or feel s/he needs more support, please contact your child's Dean, email RN@riccarton.school.nz , or call us on: 348 5073, ext.844.

Learning Support Information

If you have information and/or reports concerning your child, please send direct to the Learning Support Co-coordinator, so that all staff can be informed of learning needs, and work to support your child as effectively as possible. Ms Rendall, the Learning Support Co-ordinator, (RN@riccarton.school.nz , or ph. 348 5073, ext. 844) is happy to meet parents to discuss student needs, and outline our systems and possible available supports.

Student Learning Support

Any students who need support with difficult subjects or topics, who need to catch up work missed through absence, or who need support with assessment tasks, should first discuss their concerns with their subject teacher or Dean. They could also see Ms Rendall, leave a note at the Learning Support area, or e-mail or call into the Learning Support area to see one of the staff.

Computer and study rooms are available in the library after school until 4pm.

In the senior school, tutorials offer the opportunity to complete work, with support and assistance where available.

What support is available

  • Literacy tuition with teachers and/or tutors.
  • Mathematics support.
  • ESOL programmes and support.
  • Gifted and talented programmes and support.
  • Alternative courses and programmes.
  • Timetabled tutorial support.
  • Learning tutor support (in class and individual).
  • Transition support.
  • RTLB (Resource Teacher of Learning and Behaviour) or other targeted assistance when needed.

Special Assessment Conditions (SACs)

Any students who qualify, or may qualify, for assessment assistance (such as extra time or Reader/Writer, or use of a

computer) must have up-to-date (within 3 years) assessments to support your need for assistance. Senior students needing SAC for assessments should have trialled this support in the junior school, and applications for this year’s NCEA have already been completed. Junior students will be screened for SAC support during the year. If you wish to start this process for your child, or to discuss this process, please contact Ms Rendall.

Information has been given to teachers for all current SAC students, and Ms Rendall will meet with senior SAC students regularly in tutorial time this term.

We would welcome any volunteers who are able to support students needing Special Assessment conditions by acting as reader/writers or supervisors during assessments. These can occur at any time or day of the week.

Please e-mail RN@riccarton.school.nz or call on: 348 5073, ext.844. if you would like to volunteer.