Learning Support and the Enrichment Centre
The services provided by the Learning Support Department at Avonside Girls’ High School are designed to identify and/or reduce existing barriers between an akonga and their best potential in school. These barriers may affect learning, social interaction or kura engagement. Therefore, if you have a concern about the progress of your tamariki, please contact either the Head of Learning Support (SENCo) Mr. Patrick Price, our Learning Support Coordinators Kirsty Clark or Angela Dye Hayes or our school office by phone +64 3 389 7199 or email office@avonside.school.nz.
Learning Support Assistant
Becs
Learning Support Assistant
Whaea Dallas
Learning Support Assistant
Graeme
Teacher of Supported Pathways/SPEC
Gerry
Learning Support Assistant
Whaea Jo
Learning Support Assistant
Lee M
Learning Support Assistant
Lee S
Learning Support Assistant
Lisa
Learning Support Assistant
Susie
Accelerated Literacy Teacher
Fiona
AGHS’ SPEC program
SPEC runs two programmes that are 60 credit NZQA approved qualifications that are not NCEA. The first is New Zealand Certificate in Skills for Living for Supported Learners, where the students choose from 12 interest modules and complete tasks related to the interest area. The second is the New Zealand Certificate in Foundation Skills where the students complete 20 hours of Community Service and 20 hours of work experience, alongside two interest modules. The SPEC course helps students explore areas they might be interested in but may not have explored before. There is also a core focus on communication skills, literacy, and numeracy.
AGHS’ Literacy Acceleration program (ENG-A)
The AGHS ENG-A programme is a literacy intervention group targeting reading skills. Students who need a short term acceleration, are invited to participate, to ensure they are on target to access the NCEA curriculum, including the literacy co-requisite. Mrs Fiona Luke and Becs Leota work together to design personalised and flexible learning opportunities that target specific gaps in their students learning.
Classes are timetabled in small groups with high impact teaching and learning and are aimed at building literacy skills in a fun and supportive environment.
Essence Statement
All learners are supported as part of our Avonside community. These include students/ young people, staff and whanau. We are all learners on a journey. The Learning Support team focus on what can be done to enhance learning and engagement for all. Wherever your starting point is, and what you are seeking to learn, we are here to walk alongside you and work to ensure the key information, strategies and connections are available to you when, and how you need them.
Our team includes a Head of Department/Special Education Needs Coordinator, Patrick Price, two Learning Support Coordinators, Angela Dye Hayes and Kirsty Clark, Gerry Hunt, Teacher of Supported Pathways, an Accelerated Literacy Teacher, thirteen Learning Support Assistants and a fabulous team of volunteers.