Learning Support

Learning Acceleration at Te Aratai College

‘Learning Acceleration’ is the name given to our Learning Area/Department. Our kaupapa is to support our ākonga (students) who have a need for extra learning support. The term ‘Learning Acceleration’ deliberately focuses on creating a positive focus on developing the skills of our ākonga.

We support our ākonga through a mix of in-class support as well as alternative pathways for learning within the school framework. We have 14 Learning Assistants as well as four specialist teachers and a Learning Support Coordinator who support these pathways.  While our kaimahi (staff) in Learning Acceleration are trained teachers and skilled Learning Assistants, we are not able to diagnose the underlying cause of challenges our ākonga may be experiencing. For example, we cannot diagnose anyone with ‘ADHD’ or Dyslexia. However, we are able to carry out some basic education-based assessments when we are concerned about an ākonga. This helps us to be able to support them and their teachers with strategies that may help. We work alongside all other Learning Areas at Te Aratai College in supporting our ākonga and are especially connected with the Guidance Department and the Deans.

We offer four alternative pathway programmes to ākonga who may benefit from these.

Aukaha

Aukaha is our programme specifically for ākonga with ORS provision.  We have a dedicated area within the Te Whare Ako Learning Hub that is designed to support a range of impairments.  However, our focus as a school is on inclusion.  Our ākonga with ORS provision is mainstreamed in the first instance and Aukaha provides a safe and supported environment for the classes and parts of the day that these ākonga find challenging. Each ākonga has an individual learning pathway or Learning Plan that is created collaboratively between ākonga, whānau, specialist providers, and staff.  We have provision for 16 ākonga with ORS in Aukaha.

Te Ara Pono

Te Ara Pono (TAP)  is a programme we offer throughout Years 7 – 10.  The Te Ara Pono programme uses the South Pacific Education Certificate (SPEC) resources www.spec.org.nz. Te Ara Pono classes are offered to ākonga who are working at Level 1/2 of the New Zealand Curriculum.  The SPEC resources work on and develop the Key Competency skills (Thinking, Participating, Understanding Language, Symbols and Text, Relating to Others, and Managing Self) of the NZ Curriculum.  Te Ara Pono is similar to an options class.

Alternative Learning Pathway

Alternative Learning Pathway  (ALP) extends the Te Ara Pono programme into the Year 11/ 12 area of the school.  Alongside the SPEC programme, the Alternative Learning Pathway class also has a focus on working towards the literacy credits required for NCEA Level 1.

Kimihia Classes - 9K, 10K

Our Kimihia programme provides a similar framework as the  Year 7/8 Tāhuhu programme, providing a more supportive learning environment for ākonga who will benefit from this in Years 9 and 10.  In these classes, a dedicated teacher teaches across the curriculum including English, Math, Social Studies and Science.  Ākonga in these classes participates in the broader Year 9 and Year 10 programmes through Health, Physical Education and Options classes.  The focus in 9K and 10K is on developing literacy, numeracy and social skills.

Staff Contacts

If you would like more information on any of above please email Head of Department, Tracey Jongens

Head of Department