Learning and Support Teachers (LaSTs) – Ms J Lisson, Ms R Turan and Miss C Pham
The LaSTs develop learning profiles of students based on a range of internal and external data sources (e.g. report data, NAPLAN results, internal testing and lesson observations) to provide tailored support for students with additional learning needs. All students receiving additional support have individualised Personalised Learning and Support Plans (PLaSPs) which are distributed to all staff to enable teachers to effectively plan for the individual learning needs of their students.
The LaSTs provide a range of support strategies for students, including but not limited to:
· Individual withdrawal sessions – MACQLIT program
· Group withdrawal sessions – Reading Comprehension Development
· In-class support and co-teaching
· Resource adjustments
· Assessment adjustments
The learning support staff regularly liaise with classroom teachers to discuss students referred for additional support and effective strategies and/or resources for maintaining additional support in all lessons.
The LaSTs also run after school programs for students in Years 7-10:
· Books and Buddies is held in the school Library on Tuesday afternoons from 2:30 pm to 3:10 pm. This program involves Senior Student Mentors working with Year 7 and 8 students to develop their confidence and capacity in reading stage appropriate texts.
· Maths Mates is held at the same time as Books and Buddies, in C11, which is located at the front of the Library. This is a peer tutoring program where student mentors from Years 10 and 11 work with students from Years 7 and 8 who are having difficulty with Mathematics and associated numeracy skills and knowledge.
· Homework Club is offered to students in Years 9 and 10 who require resources such as textbooks, computers with internet access, printers and a quiet space to complete homework and/or assignments under the supervision of learning support staff.
Sefton High School also employs specialist School Learning and Support Officers (SLSOs) to provide individual support to students with disabilities and/or additional learning and support needs. SLSOs work directly with students and their classroom teachers to ensure their access to the curriculum is equitable and comparable to all students.
