Learning Support

Aquinas College is committed to creating an inclusive environment where students with additional needs learn alongside their peers. We take a flexible and student-centred approach, adapting support to meet each student’s unique needs and goals, while always putting their dignity and wellbeing first.

Our Learning Support team works collaboratively with teachers, Leaders of Learning, Senior Leadership, whānau, and external agencies to provide personalised support that promotes inclusion across all areas of school life.

Support Available at Aquinas

Students may access a range of learning support opportunities, including:

  • ORS Specialist Teaching
  • English for Speakers of Other Languages (ESOL) tuition
  • In-Class Support (ICS)
  • Riding for the Disabled Association (RDA)
  • Specialised School Transport Assistance (SESTA)

Working with External Agencies

Supporting students with additional learning needs often involves collaboration with a range of specialist services. Aquinas College works closely with external professionals and organisations to ensure students receive the support they need to thrive. The range of services often includes:

  • Resource Teachers of Learning and Behaviour (RTLB)
  • Resource Teachers of the Deaf (RTD)
  • Occupational Therapists
  • Psychologists – Behaviour Support
  • Special Education Advisors (SEA)
  • Assistive Technology Advisors

  • ICAMHs – Mental Health
  • Paediatricians
  • Health Nurses
  • Northern Health School (NHS)
  • Oranga Tamariki
  • Assistive Technology Advisors

Special Assessment Conditions

The New Zealand Qualifications Authority (NZQA) provides Special Assessment Conditions (SAC) to ensure eligible students have fair access to assessment for National Qualifications.

Special Assessment Conditions enable qualifying students to demonstrate their knowledge, skills, and understanding without being disadvantaged by a disability, medical condition, learning difficulty, or other identified need. Applications for SAC are submitted by schools on behalf of students and apply to both internal and external NCEA assessments.

To support a SAC application, it is helpful for whānau to provide any relevant documentation relating to their child’s health, diagnosis, and learning needs. This information is often gathered during the transition into Aquinas College and may need to be updated over time. For more information, please visit the NZQA website.

Partnering with Whānau

Aquinas College is dedicated to fostering strong, positive relationships with whānau to ensure that each student receives the support they need to thrive. We believe in the power of a collaborative approach, where open communication and shared decision-making play a key role in meeting the academic, social, and emotional needs of our students. By working closely with whānau, we ensure we are all aligned in our efforts and that the student’s best interests are at the forefront of every decision.