New class offered for students with learning difficulties

TOBIAS CLASS

In September 2005 a new initiative was started within the Learning Support Department of the school: in addition to the existing specialist one-to-one sessions available to children who struggle with the acquisition of reading, writing and maths skills, we now offer a special class for children who are experiencing difficulties of a dyslexic or dyspraxic nature.

The class
The class is small, with its own class teacher who provides continuity and security, following a programme of in-depth block periods, main lessons, and subject lessons much like those enjoyed by the bigger classes in the school. All days start with a verse, followed by a routine of music, speech and movement coordination exercises, before the children begin the main lesson work. There are more English and maths subject lessons than in the larger classes and in all subjects there is a stronger emphasis on differentiation and skill building than can realistically be offered in the larger classes. The emphasis is on helping the children to gain confidence and independence in their learning.

Therapy
At the same time, we are able to support the children through therapeutic sessions, both individually and in groups. We have a Hauschka massage therapist, and movement and circus skills specialist who work individually with the children. As a group, in addition to the subject lessons normally provided in a Steiner School, we go horse riding once a week and have circus skills lessons.
Integration
Although the majority of the lessons are given in the small group of the Tobias class, there are many moments of integration. For music, gardening and gym lessons, the class combines with several of the larger classes and all break times are at the same time. Often children from the larger classes come to knock on the Tobias’ class door to see if the Tobias pupils are ready to come and play with them outside.

Reintegration
For most pupils, the aim is to reintegrate them into the larger classes before the start of the upper school. The time pupils spend in the Tobias class will vary from a few terms to a few years.

Age group
Currently the Tobias class is able to consider pupils with a birth date between Summer ’94 and Summer ’96.

Fees
Currently the fees for the Tobias class are 20% higher than the fees for the equivalent age group in the larger classes.

For whom might the Tobias class be appropriate?
We will consider pupils with mild to moderate difficulties of a dyslexic or dyspraxic nature.