Learning Support
What is it?
At Gate Pā School Learning Support means the additional help and resources provided to students who need extra assistance to succeed in their learning. This support ensures all children can access the curriculum and make progress, no matter their abilities, backgrounds, or learning needs. Learning Support is also provided to students who learn quickly and need extra challenges.
How it operates at Gate Pā School?
At Gate Pā School, Learning Support starts when a teacher notices a student needs extra help. The Leader of Learning helps plan what support is needed. This can happen in class, in small groups, or with help from outside experts. Whānau are part of the planning and review.
Support at Gate Pā School includes:
- Leaders of Learning Support
- Learning Assistants and English Language tutors Individual Education or Behaviour Plans
- Support from experts (e.g. specialist teachers,. speech therapists, psychologists)
- Special programmes like reading and maths groups, Lego Group, and Break Café
- Adaptations to class programs and the use of additional tools such as learning software.
Working with whānau
Strong partnerships between school and home are essential for sustained success and can include:
- ongoing sharing of information about how their child is doing and any extra help they’re getting. This might be through meetings, calls, or notes home.
Teamwork: Teachers, the Learning Support team, and families work together to support learning and behaviour.
Learning Plans: Some students have special plans (like an Individual Education Plan or Individual Behaviour Plan), and families help create and review them.
Help at Home: Teachers share tips for home, and families share what works for their child.
Key links from research
Our Learning Support process is informed by a range of research and best practice principles, including:
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- Working Together: How teacher aides can have the most impact (ERO, 2022)
- Guide to Leading Inclusive Schools: Identify and plan how to meet students' learning support needs (MoE)
ESOL English for speakers of other languages
What is it?
Gate Pā School is proud to be a rich, multicultural learning community. We offer tailored support for children whose first language is not English through our English for Speakers of Other Languages (ESOL) programme.
Support for ESOL students is personalised based on each child's needs. This might include:
- One-on-one instruction
- Small group lessons
- In-class support from ESOL-trained staff
Children who are new to English typically attend ESOL sessions several times a week. These lessons focus on everyday vocabulary, understanding classroom instructions, and learning the language needed in different subjects like maths, science, and reading.
Specialist Staffing and Resources
Gate Pā School has a fully qualified teacher overseeing our ESOL programme, alongside specialist ESOL educators and bilingual support staff.
All of our teachers are trained to adapt lessons to meet the needs of English language learners.
Celebrating Language and Culture
We value the culture, language, and heritage each child brings. Tamariki are encouraged to share their home languages, stories, and traditions. We also offer cultural groups for students and adults, fostering belonging and supporting English learning through respect for first languages.
Monitoring Progress
Alongside classroom teachers’ ongoing observations, students in the ESOL programme are formally assessed twice a year using the national English Language Learning Progressions (ELLP) framework.
Key Research
Research shows that the most effective learning support happens when students remain connected to their classroom and curriculum. Our ESOL approach reflects this understanding.
Our teaching is informed by a range of research and best practice principles, including:
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- Sociocultural Theory (Vygotsky): Learning happens through social interaction, especially when scaffolded within a learner’s "Zone of Proximal Development."
- Second Language Acquisition (SLA) Theory: Influenced by researchers like Stephen Krashen and Jim Cummins, with a focus on both conversational (BICS) and academic (CALP) language skills.
- Culturally Responsive Practice: Drawing from initiatives like Te Kotahitanga and Ka Hikitia, which support identity, language, and culture—particularly for Māori and Pasifika learners.
- Seven ESOL Principles: NZ Ministry of Education, 2018.
