The holistic approach and learning-teaching framework adopted by St Stithians bears this in mind and carefully considers students who have learning difficulties. “The teaching policies at the school cater for pupils of multiple intelligence,” said headmistress, Celeste Gilardi.
Teacher Francoise Blair said the discussion on special needs pupils is more than just a simple conversation. This is because anybody can have a problem in the classroom, not only those with a specified learning difficulty. It is for this reason that each and every student at St Stithians is carefully observed.
Kim Lowman, a teacher of the school, highlighted that special needs students are not taken out of the classroom by a remedial teacher. Instead, additional learning support teachers are brought into the classroom to not only assist those who struggle, but to challenge the students who have the potential to grow.
Lowman and Blair explained the duties of a facilitator in the classroom and how a facilitator is brought in on a temporary basis to assist individuals with specific learning needs. The facilitator sits in the classroom with the student and uses creative ways to assist the student.
Gilardi said she is passionate about empowering her pupils and that these young girls would develop into women who would have to make big decisions in their lives.
Lowman said that we live in a diverse society with different individuals who all have varying strengths and weaknesses. She explained that the facilitators and the academic support teaches pupils to tolerate diversity.
Gilardi said the best interests of the child are always the forefront of all decisions.
