Curro’s Assisted Learning schools provide high-quality academic intervention within a mainstream curriculum to learners who have certain learning barriers. Learners prepare for the NSC examinations at the end of Grade 12, but teaching styles, classrooms, and assessment methods are adapted to accommodate learners’ individual needs. With small class sizes, highly trained teachers and access to therapists in school, learners can immediately receive the specialised assistance they need.  

What is assisted learning?  

Children learn in different ways and some may require assistance to grow competent in reading or other fundamental learning areas. By providing immediate academic intervention, learners in small class sizes gain the additional help they need to achieve the expected competencies in core academic skills. Schools that offer assisted learning follow the same CAPS curriculum offered in mainstream schools, but the method of learning and assessments are adapted to suit each learner’s unique needs with compassion and understanding. Some of these unique needs include ADD, ADHD, and dyspraxia. 

Learners also have access to therapists in school, such as a counsellors and occupational therapists who work closely with the class teacher to accommodate learners immediately when needed. As some of our learners require an unwavering stable environment and little sensory input, all staff are trained to recognise and handle learners who may be headed for an acute emotional spiral or anxiety episode.  

We have specialised classrooms  

Our classrooms are designed to promote concentration and serenity, while our daily school times and schedules remain consistent throughout the year. In this way, we create a sense of security for learners prone to emotional or routine-related needs. Schools carefully maintain small class sizes and minimise visual and tactile obstacles by considering the learning environment as a whole. Overhead lights are strategically placed, assessments are often printed on off-yellow paper rather than stark white paper, font sizes are often enlarged on assessments and learners may apply for other assessment accommodations during exams.  

Some schools have assisted learning streams 

While Curro has one fully assisted learning school, a number of schools have an assisted learning stream. These schools follow a mainstream curriculum, but have dedicated classes for learners who would rather benefit from assisted learning. The goal of these streams is to reintegrate learners in the mainstream classes if possible. If not, learners may remain in the assisted learning stream up to the grade for which the school offers the stream. 

What is the difference between assisted learning and remedial learning?  

Remedial learning involves a tailored study path to address a learner’s specific difficulties and learners often remain in remedial learning throughout their school careers. Assisted learning, however, allows learners to gain immediate academic intervention while still following the traditional curriculum. Therefore, learners need to be able to maintain the basics of the mainstream curriculum with the support provided by the school. Our learners also have access to therapists in school, which helps them to develop to the best of their ability. 

Do you want to know more? 

Find a school that offers assisted learning near you.