The Cardinal Wiseman School

H was born in October 1990 and entered secondary school described as "lacking confidence in the learning environment" with very low self-esteem and a poor self image.  In primary school he was quoted to have described himself as "the useless boy" and did not see himself as popular.

He started Yr 7 on School Action Plus with a diagnosis of SpLD (Dylsexia / Dyspraxia) and a reading age of 8:3 and word reading age of 8:9.

Despite poor literacy skills his cognitive skills were immediately recognised by the school as a result of CATS tests and two educational psychologists' reports (the former Dyslexia Institute and Local Education Authority), which identified above average verbal comprehension skills (127) Perceptual Organisation score of 124.

At secondary school a number of factors helped "H" gain success and a new self image.

Just to mention a few:

• Continued SEN support and provision
• A reduced timetable
• Use of a word processor in all subjects by Yr 8
• Weekly group SpLD sessions raising awareness to dyslexia and dyspraxia
• Monthly parental and family forums to raise awareness and share good practice
• "Gym'll Fix It" sessions : a keep fit and lifestyle programme
• Taekwondo
• Excellent and inspiring teachers who understood the way he functioned and learned
• Access arrangements for internal tests and exams e.g. a Reader, Scribe and extra time

In Yr 11, equipped with excellent GCSE results (English A star, English Literature A, Maths A, History A, Religious Education B, Science all As), H experienced a tremendous boost in his self-esteem.  He described this moment as "the best moment" in his life.

Entry into the 6th Form further has continued to boost his self image.  Now confident of his own exceptional Maths skills he has chosen to develop this area further, hoping to apply to a very good university next year to study Maths.  Despite recurrent ill-health which has delayed his academic progress in Key Stage 5, he is determined to achieve his goal of studying Maths at Imperial College.

As one of more than 80 SpLD pupils identified within the school, I can with great pride, say that he is typical of dyslexic / dyspraxic pupils.  Currently we have 15 dyslexic / dyspraxic pupils in the 6th Form.

What steps has the school taken to raise dyslexia awareness among the staff?

• Employed a Specialist Teacher who solely support pupils with SpLD (currently 80+)
• Regular whole school inset on SpLD (problems and solutions)
• Yearly NQT and new staff inset (problems - feelings and solutions)
• Aresources pack "Dylslexia - I do it my way" which raises awareness in Identification, feelings, problems, possible solutions, good self-esteem, attaining success.  This pack was produced by the pupils and Wiseman community.  (DVD, comic book and teacher resources)
• An SpLD website