Combined Support Services

Combined Support Services

At RGSR, we believe in inclusive education. Our Combined Support Services (CSS) department is dedicated to ensuring that students who might think, learn, or communicate differently feel like they belong to our school, and have the same chances to learn, including Neurodivergent students.

The CSS Department provides three key services: Special Educational Needs (SEN) classrooms, Learning Support (LS), and English as an Additional Language department (EAL). ​

The SEN classrooms cater to Neurodivergent students with higher needs that cannot be effectively addressed in large group settings at age-appropriate levels. ​

In the SEN classrooms students receive individualised lessons in small groups tailored to their unique needs. While they are integrated into mainstream classes for certain specialist lessons like Music and Art, the goal is to eventually integrate them fully with the appropriate support whenever possible. ​

Including SEN students in a school environment not only helps them learn social skills but also fosters acceptance and understanding across the student population, contributing to a more inclusive and equitable society overall. ​

The LS Department provides support to Neurodivergent students with mild to moderate learning difficulties that might hinder their ability to access the curriculum without assistance. Students referred to this department receive personalised interventions, including curriculum modifications if needed, to help them succeed academically and socially. ​

This might mean giving them support in class with an LS teaching Assistant, adapting the curriculum to their needs, or making changes to ensure they achieve their IEP targets.

 

The Learning Support Interventions is an initiative which is part of our Multi-Tiered Support System. It is a structured framework that provides tailored support to address learning gaps. By identifying and addressing these gaps early, we ensure that students receive the help they need to build confidence and achieve progress at their own pace. Through targeted small-group sessions and intensive one-to-one interventions for those with greater needs, we aim to equip students with the skills required for success and foster a sense of achievement.

 

Our EAL staff take pride in supporting students who are new to English by providing specialized English classes designed to enhance their language skills to enable them to confidently engage with the school curriculum independently. This provision not only fosters an inclusive environment but also allows us to embrace the diverse cultures of our community, nurturing students to become global citizens. By sharing their experiences and languages, our students become more understanding and open-minded individuals, creating a richer and more vibrant school community for everyone to enjoy.

LANGUAGES OTHER THAN ENGLISH (LOTE)

The benefits of learning an additional language extend far beyond linguistic competence. Studies have shown that bilingualism enhances cognitive abilities, including problem-solving skills, creativity, and multitasking. It also fosters a greater appreciation for diverse cultures and perspectives, promoting global citizenship and intercultural communication.

By embracing the study of Arabic and French within our curriculum, we empower our students to become versatile and culturally competent individuals who are prepared to thrive in an increasingly interconnected and diverse world.

 

Our Languages Other than English department offers a comprehensive and inclusive approach to language learning and cultural appreciation for our students from Year 1 to Year 11. ​

Our students Y2-Y9 have the choice between two languages: Arabic and French. Those who opt for Arabic are further divided into native and non-native speakers. Native speakers follow the Saudi Curriculum with four lessons per week, tailored to enhance their language skills and deepen their cultural understanding. Non-native speakers also benefit from four Arabic lessons per week, focusing on language acquisition and cultural appreciation.

For students who choose French, they attend three French lessons per week. Additionally, they participate in one compulsory Core Arabic lesson each week, fulfilling a Ministry requirement that allows us to celebrate our host country’s language and culture. ​

​In Year 1, students will undertake three Arabic lessons or two French and one mandatory Arabic language lesson. Nursery and Reception classes will have one Arabic lesson per week and no French language available.

Moving on to our older students in Year 10 and Year 11, they have the opportunity to continue their language studies by opting for Arabic or French as an IGCSE subject choice. ​

Residing in an Arab country presents a unique advantage for non-native speakers to learn Arabic. Our curriculum embraces this advantage by offering a structured pathway for non-native speakers to develop their proficiency in Arabic, equipping them with valuable language skills for both academic and real-world contexts. ​

For non-native speakers, the LOTE teachers provide tailored support and resources to help them improve their proficiency in Arabic, recognising its importance academically and culturally as hosts in an Arab country, as well as spiritually for our Muslim students.