Principal Teacher - Alex Hughes
Principal Teacher - Alex Hughes
Alex Hughes is Principal Teacher, Pupil Support with responsibility for co-ordinating support for pupils with Additional Support Needs. These pupils may be in mainstream school, the Learning Centre or Aird.
Pupils in mainstream classes are supported academically by both Support for Learning Teachers and Classroom Assistants who work collaboratively with the pupils’ subject teachers. They are supported, for example, by the reading and scribing of work for them to enable them to keep up with the pace of their classes. Where necessary, pupils also have access to technology to allow them to fully participate in the curriculum and to aid in the presentation of their work.
Students may be withdrawn from certain mainstream classes to enable them to have individual or small group study periods where extra time and tuition can be given to these students.
Pupils who need more detailed Individualised Educational Programmes may have part of their timetable in the Learning Centre where teaching is in small groups and is specifically tailored to individual needs.
During examinations pupils who have additional needs are considered for special provisions to allow them to achieve their potential in their examinations. These provisions may take the form of an extra time allowance, readers, scribes or transcription of papers.
Aird is situated within the new building of Stranraer Academy and caters for pupils with Severe and Complex Learning Difficulties. The pupils follow the Equals Curriculum and, where appropriate, are included in mainstream classes. A good number of senior Academy pupils regularly opt to do a work experience placement in Aird.
Accommodation within Aird includes two teaching areas, a multi-sensory room, hydrotherapy pool, a spacious kitchen for life skills, and a dining/play area. It has ready access to the rest of the school.
The pupils also benefit from the expertise of a multi-disciplinary team made up of visiting specialists, teaching staff, educational psychologist, paediatrician and paediatric nurse.