LEARNING SUPPORT ACTIVITIES & CLUBS
Anger Management Course
The aim of the course is to help children manage their anger appropriately. This is done by using the Firework Model of Anger. This teaches children what triggers their anger and helps them by using strategies to calm themselves. We do this through various activities eg. worksheets, discussions, games and relaxation techniques. A set of ground rules are established at the start of each course so pupils are aware of the need for confidentiality. All pupils who have completed the course have enjoyed it and have been able to apply appropriate strategies in and out of school.
Breakfast Club
The aim of Breakfast Club is for children to have a quiet orderly start to the day and have the opportunity to have one to one help with their homework tasks. It runs on a Monday, Thursday and Friday. The pupils are given a healthy breakfast (low fat & low sugar). Breakfast Club starts at 7.40am and the aim is for the pupils to have a chat around the breakfast table and then settle to homework tasks by 8.00am to ensure that they have a good half hour to spend on their homework and an opportunity to improve their Social Skills. Our motto is:‘If you haven’t got anything nice to say about someone then don’t say anything at all’.Pupils are referred by Heads of Years on the basis of those in need of a breakfast, pupils who are always late and those who are having trouble completing homework.
Lunch Club
The Bay House Lunch Club is available to the students from Monday to Friday. We are a community that encompasses all students. The children have agreed on the rules of the club and these are displayed. They were written by the lunch club staff and the children. Children can be asked to leave the club if they do not adhere to them. The children have the opportunity to play games and watch videos. We help with the children’s homework by giving them support and time when they are in the lunch club. The club has been on a picnic in the school conservation area and raised money for the Mozambique fund.
Social Skills Group
The aim of the Social Skills Group is to improve pupil’s communication and social skills by developing a better awareness of themselves and others.This will be done through various activities eg discussions, worksheets and games. Topics addressed are: Improving conversations with others – starting and ending conversations, listening to others, and asking appropriate questions to keep conversations flowing. How we communicate with others – focusing on eye contact, body language and how we sound. Ground rules will be established at the start of the course, so that pupils are aware of respect for each other and confidentiality.
Brain Gym or Educational Kinesiology – (Coco Club)
Educational Kinesiology was developed by Dr Paul Dennison. He observed many children and teachers, he discovered the correlation between movement and learning. Much of Education in school is based on attention to small details and process in the left hemisphere. Many children with learning difficulties use their right hemisphere which is the area used to understand the whole picture and therefore miss many details required by the exam system. Dr Dennison’s simple exercises can improve the child’s accessing of both hemispheres. They can be performed quietly in the class whilst sitting. They take a few minutes to complete. They claim to improve a child’s attention span, listening skills and handwriting as well as many other areas. ‘Brain Gym’ is used by some LS teachers in withdrawal sessions. Our experience bears out these claims. Mrs Underwood takes groups for ‘Brain Gym’ at registration time.
Learning Support – IT Homework Club
The IT/Homework club is run by Miss Tuckley and Mrs McCormack and takes place every Thursday from 3.15 to 4.15 pm in IT5. At the end of the Summer Term the club had 10 members but it can accommodate 15 pupils, it runs for the benefit of nominated pupils in Years 7, 8 and 9. Pupils who do not attend regularly may be asked to leave especially if there is a waiting list.The pupils who attend the IT/Homework club are usually nominated by LSAs. This club is particularly beneficial to those pupils who do not have access to a computer at home. In addition, it is a chance for pupils to do their homework and develop their IT skills. It also gives them opportunities to make new friends. IT Homework Club Register
Self-Esteem Course
The aim of the course is to raise children’s self-esteem. This is done by helping children to feel positive about themselves, recognise their strengths and enable them to cope with difficult situations they may encounter in and out of school. We do this through various activities eg. worksheets, discussions and games. A set of ground rules are established at the start of each course so the pupils are aware of the need for confidentiality. All pupils who have completed the course have enjoyed it and their self-esteem has risen.
AcceleRead/AcceleWrite
The AcceleRead/AcceleWrite programme is designed to boost pupils reading and spelling levels using a talking computer. This in turn will boost confidence. It’s fun to use and allows children control over their learning. For the programme to be effective pupils need to spend 15 minutes a day working on it.
Stretch and Relax
Tuesdays 3.15 pm in Fresh Start because it has space. Open to all students and pupils. Jill Underwood teaches relaxation methods including the importance of a sufficient fluid intake, organisation of free time and control of breathing.