As an academic, mainstream school, The Ridge School offers a variety of quality interventions to support our boys. We celebrate diversity in learning by providing appropriate support where necessary. Through our strengths-based, pro-neurodiversity approach, boys with learning differences can make academic progress.
What Is The Lighthouse?
The Lighthouse is the name given to our learning support department because it truly is a light of hope for those who need that one-on-one nurturing support. The Lighthouse team is made up of four full-time learning support specialists and a full-time school psychologist. In addition, there are also part-time therapists covering physiotherapy, speech and language therapy, and occupational therapy.
We ensure that our learning support programme is individual to each boy’s specific needs so he can benefit optimally from our school curriculum. If your son has support needs, his learning support level will be ascertained on application and re-evaluated every term.
Lighthouse Values
- Diversity: We recognise that each learner is unique, with individual strengths, challenges, interests, abilities and learning needs. The Ridge School is committed to differentiating its educational programme to accommodate a spectrum of learning needs according to available resources.
- Inclusivity: We support and celebrate diversity, equality and collective belonging so every boy can feel secure and comfortable being himself at our school.
- Progression: We recognise the learning differences in our students, and we ensure access, active participation and advancement of all boys by offering a comprehensive education of the highest standard. We help boys excel through appropriate curricula, teaching strategies, learning support and the use of resources and partnerships within the community.
- Quality: We value the ongoing research, development and improvement in the quality of support we provide.
- Collaboration: We follow a collaborative approach which takes into account the best interests of each boy at all times.
Focused Learning Support
With early intervention, we can identify the boys who require learning support as early as possible. We maximise their individual capabilities using a strengths-based approach and developing self-guided learning. Through this approach, The Ridge School offers an empowering and enriching learning experience for boys with different abilities, rather than one that is intimidating or discouraging. Our boys receive in-classroom support through paired teaching with a learning support specialist or are taught in small focus groups for Grades 2-5.
We provide learning support for boys who experience:
- Neurodiversity (e.g. specific learning disorders: dyslexia, dyspraxia, dysgraphia, and dyscalculia; neurodevelopmental differences: autism, attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder; social, emotional and/or behavioural challenges: anxiety, ODD, etc.)
- Speech and/or literacy barriers
- Memory and/or concentration barriers
- Limited physical barriers
- Extension/challenge in an area of talents or academic strength (in which case a referral is made to external therapists under The Lighthouse umbrella).
Help your son realise his full potential. Give him an uplifting education in an environment where he can be supported in his specific areas of learning challenges. Call The Ridge School on 011 481 5800 for enrollments or to book a tour.