AN OBS EDUCATION
Learning Development
The Learning Development Department provides support to 3-18 years old students who:
Have a significant potential in a specific area, ability or skill
Are Gifted and Talented / Academically able students
Have English asan additional language
EAL
Have specialeducational needs
SEND
We offer inclusive, individually tailored education that celebrates the successes of all. We plan and undertake teaching based on individuals’ learning. We are committed to all students reaching their full potential to become lifelong independent learners.
At Oporto British School we value the achievements and abilities of every single student.
What do these terms mean?
Students who show or demonstrate natural abilities or aptitudes at levels significantly beyond what might be expected for one’s age, in any domain of human ability.
A young person might require additional support with English if their linguistic level is not sufficiently strong to enable them fully to access the curriculum. However, EAL support assumes an existing level of competency, and is not provided as additional lessons in order to learn the basics of the English language.
A young person might be described as having special (or additional) needs if they have a learning difficulty or a disability that requires support that is different from or additional to that provided for other students of the same age at OBS.
Students who demonstrate, or show the potential to demonstrate, a high level of understanding and performance across the curriculum. As high achievers, they can work beyond the expectations for their form level.
How are students supported?
The support provided is tailored to the students’ needs and stages of education (a child in primary will receive more targeted support than a student in secondary or IB as, during these stages of education, independence skills are encouraged and promoted).
These provisions benefit all students, at OBS as teaching becomes inclusive and values diversity. All students experience success as a key component of learning.
Among others, the types of provision include:
- In-class support and, when needed, separate one to one sessions by members of the department.
- Liaisons with teachers, parents and outside agencies.
- Specialised support from OBS Educational Psychologist, Mrs. Quintas (i.e. further assessment, targeted sessions, etc.).
- Sharing of strategies, recommendations and tips with teachers.
- INSET and awareness sessions with teachers and parents.
- Targeted groups to further develop a specific ability, area or skill (in the case of Gifted and Talented and/or Academically able).
- Targeted groups to provide additional support to a specific need (in the case of SEND and/or EAL).
- Initial screening of students’ needs to identify strengths and areas for development.
- Use of a variety of resources such as multi-sensory programmes (for students with literacy needs).
