Learning Support

Students with special educational needs

The aim of Oxford Sixth Form College is to ensure that when the College can meet the needs of a student and thus offer a place, every student with special educational needs or disabilities studying with us is supported holistically during their time here and fully included in College life wherever possible.

The Special Educational Needs and Disability Coordinator (SENDCo) co-ordinates support for students with a variety of barriers to learning, so that every student has the opportunity to make progress and reach their potential.

The SENDCo works closely with a student’s Senior Tutor, tutors and the student so that appropriate strategies and adjustments are put into place to support the student’s needs. Students who need additional support meet with the SENDCo on a regular basis to review progress: this means the student has an active role in determining the provision needed.

If you have a learning difficulty or disability, we ask that you fully describe your needs on our application form so that we can start assessing how we might meet your needs.

For further information on the support offered for students with special educational needs or disabilities, and for information relating to access arrangements for examinations, you can:

• Refer to the College’s Special Educational Needs and Disabilities policy.
• Book an appointment to meet the SENDCo by speaking with your Senior Tutor.

Supervised study periods

If a student is encountering problems organising study time and keeping on top of work, supervised study periods are often of great benefit. These may be introduced as part of the weekly timetable at the request of a student or tutor. Work is completed on assignments set by the tutor and supervised by a member of staff, normally in the College library.

Study skills instruction

The importance of excellent study skills cannot be over emphasised.

A successful student needs to have a number of skills at their disposal, including the ability to organise study time efficiently; follow instructions carefully; select relevant material; read it quickly and with clear understanding; take effective notes; revise and learn material thoroughly; understand the focus of examination questions; develop effective answering techniques; and organise examination time.

Lack of these skills is the most common cause of under-performance in public examinations. However, strategies for mastering them can be taught. The College fills this need with a series of seminars on various study techniques:

The list of study skills topics is as follows:

• Motivation and time organisation
• A positive attitude
• The use of timetables and diaries
• Study routines
• Prioritising work
• Assessing work targets
• Organising study time
• Reading and note-taking
• Overview of material
• Reading techniques
• Use of key words
• Concise note-taking
• Diagrammatic notes (mind maps)
• Memory and revision
• Revision timetables
• Notes for revision
• Memory training
• Revision methods
• The importance of review
• Essay writing
• Reading the question
• Essay planning
• Fact vs opinion
• Argument and evidence
• Essay technique & structure
• Examination technique
• Final preparation and overview
• Question selection
• Planning answers
• Timing
• Staying calm and in control

If you would like to know more about our learning support services, we are happy to answer any questions you may have. You can contact us on 01865 793333 or email us at info@oxfordsixthformcollege.com.