To understand your needs, we’ll begin with an Initial Assessment (IA). This is a 30-minute discussion where we find out more about you. The information we gather will help us identify the right support for you or highlight whether further screening is needed.
Screening
A screening is made up of short tasks designed to give us a profile of your strengths and any challenges. It isn’t a formal assessment or diagnosis. Please note: you need to have had an eye test within the last two years prior to screening.
Screening may lead to an offer of:
- Exam access arrangements
- Specialist teaching from an ALN lecturer
- Specialist equipment
- Provision of assistive technology
- Referral to an ALN workshop
- Referral to other College support services
- Referral to external agencies
- Guidance on Disabled Students’ Allowance (DSA)
- Advice on Access to Work.
Exam access arrangements
If you’re a learner with Specific Learning Differences (SpLD), physical, or medical needs you can apply for Exam Access Arrangements. These arrangements give you equal access to the exam without changing the demands of the assessment.
Some examples of EAA are:
- Extra time
- Use of a reader
- Use of a scribe
- Use of a word processor
- Coloured overlays or paper
- A smaller or separate room.
If you have had EAA in the past for your exams, please give us this information on enrolment. You’ll need to provide evidence of your learning difference or medical need to your allocated co-ordinator. They’ll meet with you in your first term to put these arrangements in place.
Please note that all applications for access arrangements are subject to application and acceptance in line with exam board guidelines. The exam board has the final say.
If you need more information, please contact the team on learningsupport@gcs.ac.uk.