The Learning Connection (TLC)
The Learning Connection (TLC) is a support system at Carmel School Association - Elsa High School for students who require academic enrichment, differentiation and/or intervention. We aim to provide an individualised curriculum to allow students to access the curriculum at an appropriate level in order for them to fulfil their potential.
We believe that all students are entitled to an education that seeks to provide them with the necessary knowledge, skills, appreciation and understanding of all the facets required to participate in, and contribute to, the global society in which they live.
Students who would benefit from support from TLC are determined to have differences in their learning preferences and styles which may result in them finding the curriculum of their peers either too easy or too difficult.
Where a student is identified as having difficulty in meeting the demands of the curriculum, they will be offered support from TLC. This may take the form of in-class support, small group work, specific intervention programmes or a higher degree of differentiation. The student’s progress will be closely monitored by both the subject teacher and the TLC Coordinator to ensure the individualised curriculum meets the student’s needs.
Gifted and Talented
We recognise the broad spectrum of learning that is evident within our students, and as such we aim to cater for all by providing students with an individualised curriculum to meet their needs.
Through the use of assessment and monitoring of performance, we also acknowledge that there are some students for whom additional challenge is required. These students will be performing and achieving above and beyond the expected range of learning in one or more subjects on a consistent basis. Tracking the progress of these students is essential to ensure that their gift or talent is acknowledged, appreciated and extended.
Therefore, as teachers it is vital we provide opportunities for students to stimulate and extend their learning wherever appropriate. It is for these students, that we aim to incorporate a variety of strategies within our lessons, challenging and encouraging students to work at a higher level, utilising their thinking skills to do so. These strategies may include higher order questioning, additional challenge, exposure to advanced subject matter and further guidance from subject specialists.
We recognise the pressure that can be put upon a student identified as Gifted and Talented in one or more subject areas. As such, we seek to ensure that study is not increased in those areas rather, differentiated and extended. It is essential that study at home reinforces the strategies used at school and we are happy to discuss how parents can support and maximise the learning of their child in a positive and productive manner.