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Chew Valley School News
Supporting special needs
As a community comprehensive school, our intake will comprise pupils of all levels of ability and needs. We have pupils with exceptional skills and aptitudes and pupils who experience a range of special educational needs, be they physical, medical, emotional or learning difficulties. We value all our pupils and try to address each individual’s needs as positively and effectively as we can.
Pupils experiencing difficulties will be supported either within the mainstream classes by the use of additional teachers or learning support assistants, or by being withdrawn from some lessons to follow specific, individual programmes of study. Their progress is carefully monitored and communicated to parents on a regular basis.
Although we do not have any special units at Chew Valley we are proud of the progress made by pupils with special educational needs, many of whom have gone on to achieve considerable success in external examinations and in their chosen careers.
The school has published a three-year accessibility plan outlining our access facilities and planned developments.
If you have questions about Special Needs Provision our SENCO, Mr David Kenny, will be delighted to help you.
Gifted and Talented students
The school is committed to nurturing the talents of every one of its students. We do, however, recognise that some students are especially talented in one area in particular, such as sports or music, and that other children may have outstanding academic gifts across a wide range of subjects.
To provide the appropriate challenges for these students Chew Valley School provides a stretching experience in the classroom. Students who are identified as Gifted and Talented are monitored and supported to ensure that the curriculum provides sufficient challenge, and that they are achieving their potential. There are also opportunities to participate in enrichment activities targeted at Gifted and Talented students outside the classsroom.
Kilve Court, near Bridgewater, provides residential courses for the most able. Unfortunately there is a cost for these and the school is unable to offer financial support. Their web address is www.kilvecourt.org. More information about their residential enrichment courses can be found here.
Gifted and Talented youngsters may also be interested in the International Gateway for Gifted Youth, a programme run by Warwick University to foster the development of gifted young people around the world. Enrolment is free, and provides access to a range of online and face-to-face resources. Find out more at http://www2.warwick.ac.uk/study/iggy/. The school is happy to provide supporting statements for students who wish to enrol in the IGGY programme; please contact Mr C Hildrew for more information.
Participation in enrichment events is not restricted to students on the Gifted & Talented Register and any parent who would like to be kept informed of events is welcome to contact Mrs C Williams in reception or Mr C Hildrew, Deputy Headteacher.
