Learning Support at Aberdeen College

1
Learning Support at Aberdeen College

• Learning Development Centre

2
Disability Equality

• Currently looking at agencies to attend a meeting
  with cross College staff looking at disability
  equality over a range of College areas.
• Developing awareness through awareness week.
• Sharing good practice and development JISC
  presentation to-day.

3
Initial Assessment

• Any applicant who shows on their application form
  that they have an additional need, will be able
  to come to College for an Initial Assessment.
• This can involve Social Service department,
  agencies (including links to NHS) and Schools, in
  the form of reports and meeting in person all
  with students permission.
• This is done to agree on support that can be
  provided by the College and agencies through care
  packages.

4
Learning Support in College

• College wide Learning Support can be given
  through 1 to 1 or group support with student
  development centre staff based in SG9.
  Appointments made through Learning Support
  Reception.
• Support can also be given by subject tutors.

5
Other support

• Special Exam Arrangements
• Specialist equipment such as Hoists, and I.T.
  software and hardware.
• Reader and Scribe Facilities
• Visual Aids
• Signers
• Auxiliary support in assisting students to
  classes
• Tutor support (through LDC assessment one student
  this year has had a support tutor in some classes)

6
Partnership support

• The National Autistic Society provide support
  through 11 drop in sessions and appointments.
• Would like to develop links with other agencies
  in regards student support.

7
The Team

• Learning Support Manager (based in SG9 Gallowgate
  campus)
• Support tutors who specialise in support areas
  for Communication, ESOL, Numeracy and I.T.
• Initial Assessors who agree initial support
  arrangements with potential students.
• Curriculum Leader and Lecturers in Learning
  Opportunity area

8
Types of courses

• School Link course currently over 80 pupils
  from schools in Aberdeen City and Aberdeenshire
  who give care support.
• Familiarisation course 1 day a week from
  February, course is for students on the Autistic
  Spectrum.
• Summer School for 1-2 weeks during the summer for
  students lacking confidence.

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Types of Course

• Access Course F.T. Course 1-2 years, year 1
  includes vocational skill development day, final
  year to have work placement 1 day a week in
  preparation for employment.
• Renew F.T. course for potential students who
  have not been in education or employment for some
  time.
• F.E.O. part time courses up to 2 days a week in a
  vocational area for students in employment or
  voluntary work.
• College mainstream courses

10
Learning Development Centre SG10

• This room has specialist equipment and software
  that can be used to support students.
• Staff also carry out assessments on students who
  have stated they have a disability.
• This room is used to show staff and students
  enabling technologies.
• Used by students on a course specifically for
  students with visual impairments.

11
The Future

• Climate of change
• Inclusive College
• Build stronger links with partners (Partnership
  Matters)

12
New courses for February

• Personal Progression through life skills
• Personal presentation course
• Adult Literacy course (evening)
• Accident and Emergency procedures
• ICT for beginners
• Introduction to Small Animal Care.

13
Course development

• Courses for February plus elements of other FEO
  courses can be included in the F.T. and School
  link courses.
• Areas you would like us to look into for future
  development?

14
Update on progress

• Issues in regards to future progression

15
Any other business

• Question and Answer
• Newsletter to be sent out in March
• DVD
• Many thanks for your time