The Learning Support Centre

The Learning Support Centre is located in FW11, and offers a comprehensive range of student support which all students access for one hour per week as part of their pastoral programme.

Timetabled programme:

• Study skills modules delivered online for lower and upper sixth
• Targeted literacy and numeracy support for all Level 2 students
• IT support including the option of completing an additional qualification in Computer Literacy, Functional Skills ICT
• Detailed UCAS guidance sessions
• Careers guidance

For about half of the time, students have set activities, such as improving their study skills, or planning University applications. 

For the other fifty percent of the time students are expected to study or complete coursework. There are a range of online subject specific materials, including past examination papers and extra activities in each subject area. The Learning Support Centre has sufficient computers for every student, and we also have a quiet area for those wishing to read or work quietly in small self-support groups.
Additional Support offered in the Learning Support Centre:

Teaching staff

In addition to the Personal Tutor, there are two members of staff permanently in the room to help and support students. They are all available for general help, but they also have specialist skills:- 

Mr Terry Coleman - Maths, Physics, Chemistry, and I.T.
Mrs Elaine O'Hanrahan - English Language and Literacy support.

Students can receive help from specialist tutors in their timetabled Learning Support session or in one of their independent study periods. Students may drop in for support on Wednesday afternoons during the enrichment hour.

Learning Mentors

Learning mentors are here to help with any issues that affect your learning. They can be accessed in the Learning Support Centre, during the weekly learning support session and at other times by arrangement.

Mentors are here to advise, guide and support you in your education at Xaverian, they are

• there to help you to get motivated, to get in every day, and be on time
• there to help with study skills, time management and revision
• available for advice if you are worried about courses, coursework deadlines or anything that is affecting your study.

Additional Learning Suite

The Additional Learning Suite is located on the top floor of Firwood. Here, students can access 1:1 support in an independent study period. Help is available on a range of topics including such as essay writing, spelling, help with reading course materials and ESOL, for those students whose first language is not English.

Support for students with learning differences

Specialist tutors are also available to support and assess those students who have learning differences such as dyslexia, dyspraxia and Asperger’s Syndrome. Tutors are qualified to assess students to enable them to access special examination arrangements at sixth form level and as part of their progression onto university.

In Class Support

Educational support workers are also available to assist students who need extra help in class. Support offered includes mobility support, note taking and preparing specialist resources such as enlarged handouts for students who are visually impaired.

Accessing Support

Students are sometimes referred for help by their tutors but all students are able to access support themselves at any time, through the Learning Support Centre by speaking to their Personal Tutor or any member of staff in the Learning Support Centre.