Monitoring Learning
At New College School we have a robust system for tracking and monitoring our boys' learning. In addition to the tracking that takes place by individual teachers in individual classes and lessons, each half term all boys' progress is assessed in full staff meetings. In the Reception class in Pre-Prep, each boy's academic and personal development is carefully monitored and profiled. This profiling forms the basis of continuing assessment in Years 1 & 2. In the Prep School, there are end-of-year assessments in main subjects in Years 3 & 4, while in Years 5 and above a programme of revision is followed and assessments held in each subject in Trinity. In this way, subject knowledge is consolidated, necessary skills are gradually assimilated, and the boys become accustomed to the assessment system as the normal end to a school year.
inclusion
The goal of our Inclusion department is to provide further opportunities for boys to manage their own learning and set a solid foundation for the next steps in their education, as well as to provide a tailored programme to those who require additional learning support.
New College School boys are ‘screened’ at key moments in their development; all boys are closely monitored by their teachers and, together with their family and Inclusion Coordinator, decide whether additional support is necessary. This may take the form of in-class support and/or one-to-one lessons with a specialist teacher. At times, with support from parents, we may request support from outside experts such as Educational Psychologists and Speech and Language Therapists to deepen our understanding of a boy’s learning needs. The Inclusion Coordinator works closely with teachers to ensure that children who receive specialist support bridge learning in a focused one-to-one environment to the classroom and vice versa through discussion and a termly plan tailored to the boy's needs.
It is the aim of the Inclusion department to equip each boy with tools that will help him to understand and confidently take control of his learning. Our Inclusion teachers help with diverse needs from differing learning needs, to a bit of catch-up or support in juggling a busy schedule. A range of services is offered to pupils to achieve this goal: specialist teaching by qualified English and Maths tutors, additional general support (in-class or in the Inclusion Centre) and extension sessions for those who show talent in a particular area. We deliver workshops to the wider school community on topics ranging from study skills and test taking to organisational skills and using the Virtual Learning Environment (VLE).
The Inclusion Centre is welcoming and open to all pupils at designated times before, during and after the school day. Our location off the library means that we can point boys to books appropriate to their reading level and encourage them to enrich their learning. It is also equipped with a range of materials for one-to-one teaching as well as resources for boys, teachers and parents. We vary our approach for every type of learner; we use multi-sensory aids for kinaesthetic learners as well as visual aids and computer software to further reinforce learning. At home, Inclusion resources and links to helpful websites can be accessed via the VLE. Occasionally, for parents and boys, evening speakers are invited to deepen understanding of processes related to learning and other related subjects.