learning support

We know that all children learn in different ways and at different rates. Therefore, it is sometimes necessary to provide additional support to individuals and groups of children to help them successfully access their learning.

Learning Support is provided in each of our divisions by specialist teachers who offer a range of services, including in-class support or small group instruction. The program is designed to serve a small number of students in need of academic assistance or with mild disabilities. Individualized support programs can be designed for students with moderate disabilities.

For specifics on qualifying for the Learning Support Program at FIS, please download our Guidelines for Documenting Special Needs.

Primary and Elementary School

Support in the classroom is provided by the homeroom teacher through a differentiated programme. In some cases, a Learning Support Plan is written by the Learning Support Team to provide specific goals, strategies and accommodations. For students with mild or moderate learning needs, we provide small group instruction, and their progress is carefully monitored and regularly reviewed. Students with more intensive needs may require additional support with a learning coach.

When necessary, the Learning Support Team refers students requiring additional services to outside professionals, such as speech and language pathologists, occupational therapists and educational psychologists. We work closely with them to ensure their recommendations are implemented. If your child has specific learning needs, it is important to communicate this to the school upon application so that we can proactively plan for how to ensure your child receives the individualized support they need.

Upper School (Grades 6-12)

In order for students in Grades 6-12 to receive learning support services and accommodations, they must have a specific learning disability diagnosis that adheres to school policy. In special cases, some learning support services will be available to students without a diagnosis.

FIS’ Learning Support programs – in conjunction with parents, students, teachers and specialists – are part of a continuum of services that provide targeted instruction to students based on their individual needs. FIS Learning Support teachers value all kinds of learners and share the responsibility with all staff to teach students to become self-aware, confident, independent and responsible global citizens.

Our aim is to help a student improve their skills in problem solving, self-advocacy and to take ownership of their learning. It is also our goal to help students establish routines and develop strategies so they improve at being independent learners of the FIS curriculum. At the Upper School, Learning Support instruction is designed to support the unique needs of the learning support student. To be eligible for Learning Support services at the Upper School, students must have completed psychological educational testing that is less than three-years old.