Junior Programme Senior Programme Special Needs - Te Korowai Class Specific Learning Needs Student Work

The Awhina Centre Learner Support Department

Our Mission

To provide a curriculum and specialist strategies conducive to a successful and secure learning environment for students with global moderate to severe, as well as mild to moderate, learning needs, as well as to provide support for students with specific learning difficulties.

Our Services

Differentiated curriculum programmes
Considered classroom strategies to enhance students access to the curriculum
Smaller classes
Teachers trained or training in special learning needs
Teacher aide support
Diagnostic assessment
Support for students with specific learning difficulties, e.g. dyslexia
NZQA Special Assessment Conditions coordination and assistance
Year 9 entrance assessment
Implementation of specialist programmes for students with global learning needs, e.g. ASDAN
Individual education plans for identified students

Through their learning in their classes, supported by the Learner Support Department, students develop confidence to succeed in the relevant essential and differentiated learning areas of the New Zealand curriculum.

The Department assesses students and groups of students. Those identified as not achieving and/or as having special needs, receive teaching and learning programmes to address those needs. In addition, the Learner Support Department contributes to the identification of gifted and talented students.

Students develop the knowledge, skills, attitudes and motivation to make informed decisions and to act in ways that contribute to their personal well-being, those of other people and that of society as a whole.

The Learner Support Department has a broad mandate from the college and its community to support students who have either global or specific learning difficulties.

Teaching Staff

Cheryl Jaffar	Head of Department
Justine Keiller
Cherie McCully

 

The teaching staff is currently undergoing professional development in the Assessment for Learning (AfL) programme.

Support Staff

The Learner Support Department employs a number of teacher aides who receive ongoing professional development to equip them to support students' learning.

Teacher Aides

Sue Aubin
Vanessa Forbes
Tina Hoogenberg
Margaret Traynor
Sharlene Apaipora
Gillian Gouldstone
Faith Hanson
Mitch Winfield

Administration

Lorraine Mackereth