Quality British Education in Saudi Arabia

The Learning Support Centre

The Learning Support Centre provides academic support to students with special educational needs and also provides enrichment to certain Key Stage 1 and 2 students. In addition, the Learning Support Centre is responsible for administering entrance examinations for DBGS. Cathie McIntyre is the Learning Support teacher (LST), and the Centre is located at the side of the Sand Dome.

A basic principle of the Learning Support Centre is that children with special educational needs should get a broad, well balanced, and relevant education. The term “special educational needs” has a legal definition. Children with special educational needs have learning disabilities or learning difficulties that make it harder for them to learn than most children of the same age. A student whose first language is not English is not assumed to have a learning difficulty or disability, per the legal definition, though some of these children may have learning disabilities as well.

For Parents -- Frequently Asked Questions

 

• How does a child qualify for services? A teacher may refer a particular student to the Learning Support teacher, who will then follow the referral process, which includes contact with parents, other teachers, and possible testing. If a child is found to have a learning disability, then an Individual Education Plan (IEP) will be put in place, and the child will receive regular academic support in the area of need.

• When will the child receive academic support? Once the IEP has been signed, the LST will set a schedule to work with the student. Typically, the LST and student work together one-on-one or in a small group. The LST works with the student in the classroom or on a pull-out basis, generally for about 30 minutes, on one or two days a week. The LST collaborates with the classroom teacher to determine the best time for service.

• What about enrichment opportunities? In the 2008-09 school year, DBGS began an enrichment program for selected students in years 2 and 3. The students were chosen by their classroom teachers, and parents agreed to the enrichment sessions. We plan to continue the enrichment program this year and hope to expand it.

• My child is not a native English speaker and is struggling in school. Does he/she have a learning disability? It is possible that the child has a learning disability, but that cannot be assumed. It takes time to become proficient in a second or third language, especially written language. It is recommended that you speak with your child’s teacher(s) about your concerns.

• How can I tell if my child has a learning disability? Many children will need extra help at some time during their education, but only a few will need that extra help for some or all of their time in school. Some areas that indicate possible special educational needs include the following: difficulty in thinking and understanding; physical or sensory difficulty; speech and language difficulty; difficulty relating to other people; and behavior problems. Observation and testing help determine if there is a true learning disability.

 

For all admission enquiries, please contact the school office on

+966 3 330 0555
Ext. 2003.

Alternatively you may contact the school through the usual email contact of: brparents@isgdh.org