Student Support
GIFTED AND TALENTED
Students with special abilities or talents are identified from the point of entry to the school. This list is reviewed annually and pupils may be invited to become part of the gifted and talented programme at any point during their time in school. Every subject is asked to identify students in the top 5% - 10% ability band for that subject to be considered as gifted or talented. Special provision is then made for these students primarily through differentiated learning in class and extra-curricular enrichment as well as through visits and other opportunities. Gifted and Talented students are also considered for acceptance on The National Academy for Gifted and Talented Youth (NAGTY) programme.
Examples of some extra-curricular activities undertaken by gifted and talented students recently include: ‘Speak Up, Speak Out’ public speaking programme for Years 8 and 10; weekend master classes in Science and Maths for Year 9; entry to an extra-curricular 1 year GCSE Astronomy for Year 10; a design challenge day at the London Design Museum for Year 9; attending a Christmas lecture on ‘the future of robotics’ at London’s Imperial college; trip to Kings College Cambridge for Year 10; Medical enquiry visit to Kings College London for Year 10; Creekside Ecology project; Year 12 Paris trip; Happy Puzzle Company workshop for all Gifted and Talented students aimed at improving problem solving skills, cooperation and self esteem; nominating excellent teaching/teachers; Latin for beginners for years 7, 8 and 9; Student Leadership Programme for Year 9; ’Billy Elliot’ theatre trip for Years 8 and 10; Mentoring and ‘buddy’ training to support younger Gifted and Talented students within the school; students are also encourage to attend the many after school enrichment activities.
For 16+ students there were regular opportunities to visit and work
with university academics to support both the learning and the university
applications process
AIM HIGHER
The Greenwich Aim Higher Project motivates students to aspire to
University
We organise an enrichment programme for students offering them the
opportunity to visit a number of Higher Education establishments
and University Summer schools.
Students of average to strong ability are identified and targeted for support, extra-curricular activities, relevant trips and mentoring opportunities. If at any point during a student’s time at The John Roan s/he faces significant difficulties which impact negatively upon her/his learning, the Aim Higher programme is designed to offer targeted support.
SPECIAL EDUCATIONAL NEEDS
Children with special educational needs make up a diverse group. Many children experience some degree of special educational need at some time in their school career. Their needs may be connected with physical and sensory impairments, medical, behavioural or emotional problems, reading, writing and communication difficulties, numeracy needs or other specific learning difficulties.
It is the policy of the school to identify particular needs and to use a range of strategies with due regard to the Special Educational Needs Code of Practice.
Students who have statements of Special Educational Need are taught according to the terms of their statements. The guiding principle is that through multi-disciplinary endeavour, each young person should access the school’s curriculum as fully as possible, and achieve his/her potential.
The policy of integration for students with physical disabilities enriches the school and has a positive effect on all members of the school community. The Westcombe Park site was designed for access for people with disabilities and the Maze Hill site now has a lift and toilet facilities for the physically disabled.
BEHAVIOUR SUPPORT
The Behaviour Education Support Team takes referrals for students who are at risk of exclusion, and non-attendance and who may have emotional problems. They link closely with four primary schools in Greenwich to help identify children at an early age. A team of workers supports students and families. This includes mentors, counsellors, therapists and psychologists. Students can also be referred to our BEST (Inclusion) Centre.
‘EMTAG’
This stands for ‘Ethnic Minorities Travellers Achievement Grant’. Students for whom English is a second language receive help with accessing English within mainstream classes and by working in a smaller setting to boost their skills. Raising of attainment is central to the approach undertaken by the school and by all staff who work in the department.
Ethnic minority students who are underachieving receive additional
support. Awareness and celebration of difference is furthered through
participation in events such as Black History month.