The Educational Support Unit (College)

In order to facilitate and encourage the holistic development of our pupils, the Educational Support Unit (ESU) based in the College offers academic, social, emotional and behavioral support to all College pupils.  An Educational Psychologist and a NiLD Educational Therapist are available to consult with pupils on a one-to-one basis, as well as in small group formats where peer support and learning is encouraged.  The ESU encourages pupils to take responsibility and ownership of their own wellbeing by requesting support for themselves when necessary.  Other professionals involved in caring for pupils are also encouraged to refer pupils to the ESU when additional support is required.

 

Services provided by the ESU include (but are not limited to):

1. Provision of counseling service (approximately 4 sessions per pupil). Should the pupil require more intensive support then a referral to a psychologist in private practice can be made.

2. Consultation for, and support of, ad hoc difficulties and issues that arise as a usual part of a school system e.g. relationship problems and adjustment issues.

3. Subject choice guidance (including psychometric assessments) is offered to all grade 9 pupils, whilst career guidance (including psychometric assessments) is offered to all grade 11 and 12 pupils. Pupils and parents are able to book sessions with the school’s psychologist for career guidance/ subject choice discussions.

4. Psycho-educational assessments are offered to all pupils if there is a need for more information regarding a particular pupil’s learning profile and progress. Recommendations are made and staff is consulted so as to facilitate support.

5. Psycho-educational testing for IEB examination accommodations, where relevant.  Please note that the IEB has a very clear policy regarding the psychometric battery which should be utilized when conducting this particular type of assessment.  It is also important to bear in mind that an assessment does not necessarily lead to an application, nor does it guarantee the granting of an accommodation. The IEB’s independent review panel (and not the school) makes the final decision as to whether or not a pupil is granted an examination accommodation.  (Please contact the ESU for more information in this regard).

6. Liaison with parents and other professionals (doctors, psychiatrists, remedial teachers) regarding the support of learners.

7. Development of time management, work organization and planning skills is facilitated in small grade group format by the Educational Therapist. Help with problematic subject areas/difficulties is also provided, and pupils are guided towards making use of study methods which best suit their own personalities and learning preferences.

 

Please note that some of the above-mentioned services are offered independently and parents are billed for the services provided. Parents and pupils are also welcome to make use of the services provided by private practitioners, and are not restricted to making use of the services provided by the school.