Policy at Rishworth
At Rishworth a clear policy exists for identifying and addressing the needs of dyslexic pupils. Before pupils enter school information is gathered from parents and feeder schools. Some pupils may be identified as showing signs of dyslexia after they join the School, and the information gathering progress will begin in the school context. Staff are aware of the problems dyslexic pupils face and are able to identify pupils showing signs of dyslexia.
Once identified, the teacher will consult the Dyslexia Teacher and initial
action will be taken. The Dyslexia Teacher will gather information and
administer tests and if it is felt that the pupil could be dyslexic, parents
will be contacted. Recommendations will be made that the pupil should be tested
by an Educational Psychologist. Following this testing a full report is sent to parents and School. This will include test results showing the pupil’s strengths and weaknesses and give recommendations for the future education of the pupil.
Support for Dyslexic Pupils at Rishworth
At Rishworth we have a specialist dyslexia teacher who holds the Postgraduate Certificate in Dyslexia and Literacy.
She has her own teaching seminar room, which is suitably resourced. She sees pupils, usually in groups of two on a rota basis, for one hour each week.
The lessons involve structured, sequential multi-sensory techniques and aim to help the pupil gain confidence and improve literacy skills. Repetition and routine play a large part of the lessons. Strategies for developing memory systems, organisation and study skills are also taught.
Pupils appreciate the individual attention and enjoy a sense of achievement when they master the different teaching points. They especially enjoy the game at the end of the lesson! Staff and the Dyslexia Teacher work together to ease the problems of the dyslexic pupil in the classroom.
The School consults parents to enable close co-operation.
The Paired-Reading Scheme
Many of the dyslexic pupils take part in a very successful paired-reading scheme that has been set up in the School Library. Each pupil teams up with a member of the Sixth Form for a short paired reading session each week. This has been beneficial to the younger pupils and we are grateful to the Sixth Form volunteers for giving their time!
Looking to the Future
A dyslexic person learns to develop strategies for coping in a world in which he or she is often out of step. We aim to give understanding and support to enable our pupils to develop such strategies successfully.
At Rishworth we aim to encourage and help pupils to achieve their potential and we are very proud of our dyslexic pupils who have gained success in examinations and gone out into the world confident and accomplished young people.
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