How Student Support Services Help Every Learner Thrive at DCSG

What Does the Support Look Like?

Our approach utilises a tiered support model, offering a variety of options such as individual or small group instruction, in-class support, as well as monitoring and consultation support. The specific type of support provided is tailored to each student's age and unique needs, ensuring that they receive the appropriate level of assistance across the College.

Additional Educational Needs (AEN)

Tier 1: Monitoring and Consultation

At this level, AEN specialists provide guidance to teachers to support them to implement strategies and resources that benefit all students, particularly those with diverse learning needs. This support includes fostering an inclusive learning environment where differentiated instruction is the norm, enabling students to engage with the curriculum at their appropriate level.

Teachers are encouraged to use a variety of teaching methods, such as visual aids, hands-on activities, or technology tools, to ensure all students can fully access learning in the classroom. The AEN team also offers professional development for staff, enhancing their capacity and knowledge and promoting a culture of acceptance and understanding, so that every student feels supported and valued.

Tier 2: In-class Support

This level of support offers more targeted assistance for AEN students than what is provided through the guidance offered in Tier 1. AEN teachers co-teach or collaborate with classroom teachers within the regular learning environment to deliver focused instruction. For example, during a Maths lesson, an AEN teacher might assist a student struggling with number concepts by using manipulatives or visual aids to reinforce understanding. They may also help students develop organisational skills or clarify instructions to ensure comprehension.

This collaborative approach ensures that AEN students receive the specific support they need while remaining engaged in the general classroom setting.

Tier 3: Small Group Support

Small group classes are available for students with more significant needs. An AEN teacher might focus on developing executive functioning skills with students, such as organising tasks and managing time, or provide targeted interventions in reading, writing, or Maths. A Senior School student struggling with essay structure might receive direct instruction and practice with an AEN teacher, while in DUCKS, students might participate in a literacy booster group where they are explicitly taught letter sounds and names. This targeted approach ensures that students receive the focused attention they need to make meaningful progress.

English as an Additional Language (EAL)

Tier 1: Monitoring and Consultation

In the same way the AEN specialists provide support, the EAL specialists focus on providing teachers with advice and strategies on how to effectively support EAL students within their specific subject areas.

This involves integrating language development strategies into the general classroom environment, benefiting all students while specifically addressing the needs of those learning English. This support can include;

Differentiated Instruction: Teachers use varied teaching methods, such as visual aids, simplified language, and interactive activities, to ensure that EAL students can access the curriculum alongside their peers.
Vocabulary Lists: Providing all students with key vocabulary for each lesson helps EAL students understand and use subject-specific terms.
Collaborative Learning: Group activities and peer interactions are encouraged, allowing EAL students to practice English in a natural, supportive setting.

By embedding these strategies into everyday teaching, EAL students receive ongoing, foundational support that enhances their language skills and academic success.

Tier 2: In-Class Support

The support offered by EAL specialists, in collaboration with class teachers, is tailored to address specific language development needs. For instance, EAL students might participate in small group sessions that focus on building academic vocabulary, improving reading comprehension, or practicing conversation skills in a structured setting. This targeted support, in the classroom, helps EAL students bridge gaps in their English proficiency, enabling them to engage more confidently and successfully with the broader curriculum.

Tier 3: Small Group Instruction

Our EAL Small Group support is tailored for students who require significant, focused intervention to develop their English language skills. These sessions are aimed at helping students overcome substantial language barriers that affect their ability to fully participate in and access the curriculum. For example, students may work on developing their academic writing skills or improving comprehension of complex texts through activities designed to their unique learning needs. This intensive support enables EAL students to build the language proficiency required to succeed across all areas of the curriculum.

Counselling Services

The counselling team at Dulwich College (Singapore) is known for their compassion, expertise, and commitment to promoting social and emotional well-being in nurturing and secure environments. They offer both intervention and prevention services. At the prevention level, the team plays an active role in school-wide initiatives and classroom activities. For instance, they might conduct sessions on emotional regulation or mindfulness across different year groups, equipping students with skills to manage stress, understand mental health and build resilience.

Small group interventions are also provided by the counselling team. For younger students, this might involve participating in a weekly "Friendship Group," where they can develop social skills and practice communication and conflict-resolution strategies. For older students, the team may offer groups that focus on navigating peer difficulties or managing exam stress. Individual counselling support, tailored to each student’s unique needs, is also available on a short-term basis. A counsellor might work with a student experiencing anxiety, sadness, or anger by teaching coping mechanisms and providing a supportive environment to explore their emotions.

As a Student Support Service team, we are deeply grateful to the parents and carers of students who stand with us in supporting their children’s educational journey. Your partnership, understanding, and commitment are invaluable as we work together to create a nurturing environment where every student can thrive. Thank you for your trust and collaboration; it truly makes a difference in the lives of the students we support.