It’s not exceptional for a good school to offer “extra help” to students daunted by a particular topic or subject. Even the brightest students may face challenges in their learning. What’s exceptional is the approach of the world-renowned Wernham & West Centre for Learning (CFL), which supports all boys and faculty as they explore best practices in learning and teaching — geared to each unique student’s strengths.
At the Prep, your son receives lessons in time management as well as study and organizational strategies so that, for example, test-taking inspires confidence and not anxiety. Prep boys create and maintain a “growth portfolio” which includes samples of their progress that they present to parents and advisers. At this age, the overarching goal is to create a sense of confidence in boys around learning.
In Intermediate Division, the part of the brain responsible for organizing (the prefrontal cortex) is developing rapidly. The centre takes advantage of this precarious time to instill life-long organizing skills that will help boys manage workloads over their lifetime.
In Senior Division, the focus is on building a sense of independence in learning. Attention is dedicated to note-taking, deep reading and critical literacy skills. Boys can access support, including exam preparation.
The “reading buddies” program pairs Upper School with Prep students and is a valuable way to foster mentoring skills in Upper boys.
Centre staff also meet with teachers to offer learning support, whether it’s the student who needs a bit of catch-up in a particular subject or an elite athlete who needs some make-up time to accommodate a sports schedule.
Learning doesn’t stop with students. As leaders in innovation and boys’ learning, teachers also discuss and strive to incorporate the latest studies and insights in boys learning.
The CFL is one of UCC’s exceptional offerings, a benchmark-setting hub at the heart of the school with a mandate to share its learning with educators internationally. Learning skills for a lifetime of achievement begin here.