Dyslexia
Dyslexia support can be offered to students across Vision West Nottinghamshire College by a team of specialist teachers and dyslexia support assistants.
What is Dyslexia?
Dyslexia is a condition which affects processing of language, particularly written language. It is estimated that approximately 6% of the population have mild to moderate dyslexic tendencies, and a further 4% are severely dyslexic. Dyslexia does not affect intelligence. It is a preference for particular ways of processing information and often encourages creative and innovative ways of thinking. However, it is also associated with the difficulties listed below:
- Reading
- Reading comprehension
- Writing and spelling
- Short-term memory
- Speed of processing information
- Maths
- Directions
- Time-keeping
- Organisation
- Getting ideas down on paper.
Specialist teaching and committed learning can reduce the impact these difficulties have.
If you are a learner with dyslexia or you think you might be, we can offer you advice and support on your course.
You can ask in confidence about any aspect of the dyslexia service by contacting the dyslexia co-ordinator on 01623 627191 ext 8087.
What kinds of support can the dyslexia team offer?
Dyslexia support team member will be able to describe how we can help you, whilst you are a student in the college.
Screening
We offer either Quickscan or the Dyslexia Adult Screening Test (DAST) which will indicate whether or not you are at risk from dyslexia. If, in our opinion, you are found not to be at risk from dyslexia, support may still be offered from our experienced team of literacy and numeracy teachers.
In class with experienced dyslexia support staff
- Reinforce and review learning delivered by the teacher
- Explain tasks and help plan work
- Help with time-keeping
- Help with organisation of folders and college work
- Give advice, encourage and motivate
- Promote self-esteem.
Support with a specialist teacher
This takes place outside course timetabled hours and could include:
- Spelling and reading techniques
- Planning assignments
- Organising work
- Study and research skills
- Information and advice
- Promote independent learning and self-esteem.
Special examination arrangements
A special assessment is generally required, as exam arrangements do not automatically follow learners from school to college. Depending on the outcome of the assessment, one or more of the following may be recommended:
- Extra time
- Separate room
- Reader
- Scribe
- Assistive technology
- Rest breaks
- Exam on coloured paper.
The process
You can be offered help via
- Ticking the ‘dyslexia’ box on the application form
- Teacher referral (with student consent)
- Connexions, school link or other agency
- Self-referral (contact dyslexia co-ordinator on 0800 100 3626).
You will then be contacted and offered various options.
Frequently asked questions