This month, schools across Britain have been celebrating the Neurodiversity Week.
Whilst there is a recognition of the need to adapt the school curriculum, accommodate for unique educational needs of students, and implement new methodologies to get students ready for the life behind school walls, together with getting them prepped for the 21st century labour market, not many schools are exercising or taking proactive steps to move away from “all size fits all teaching practices”.
There are a few colleges in Oxford such as Cherwell College Oxford who provide bespoke educational solutions for A-Level and GCSE students and a wholesome, all-round education through their enrichment, that is the extracurricular programme of events.
Here at Cherwell we believe that in order to successfully compete in the employment market in future, our students, whether those taking GCSEs or A-Levels, must be able not only to take responsibility for their work tasks, but also identify and solve problems, think critically, generate new ideas, interact constructively with others in difficult situations, i.e. have key 21st century skills.
EDUCATIONAL PECULIARITIES
Science tells us that neurodiversity refers to the natural variation in human cognitive functioning, including autism, dyslexia, ADHD, and other neurological differences. As such, neurodiverse students bring unique strengths and challenges to college classrooms that require understanding and support.
In the UK, students typically take their GCSEs at age 16 and then their A-levels at age 18. These results determine which courses they can take in college, which typically refers to the two years of post-secondary education students can take to obtain further qualifications.
Neurodiverse students face a variety of challenges when it comes to succeeding in college. For example, they may struggle with time management, organization, and social communication.
Ultimately, it’s important for colleges to recognize the unique strengths and challenges that neurodiverse students bring to their classrooms.
That is what we do here at Cherwell College Oxford to accommodate students’ individual needs and provide bespoke educational support. We believe that one to one tuition, together with productive student-to-student teamwork in small groups and during their participation in various college clubs is a perfect strategy to achieve real results so that the students enjoy the educational process.
