At some point in their education, many children face challenges that make learning difficult. Whether it’s struggling with reading fluency, grasping mathematical concepts, or managing focus in class, these hurdles can feel overwhelming. Learning support exists to bridge these gaps—helping students overcome obstacles, build confidence, and reach their full potential.

Despite the benefits, some parents worry that needing learning support means their child is incapable or falling behind permanently. This is not true. Learning support is not a label—it’s a tool. It gives students the individualised attention they need to strengthen their skills, whether through short-term intervention or ongoing support.

Short-Term vs Long-Term Learning Support: Who Needs It?

Students come to learning support with a wide range of needs. Some require short-term interventions, while others benefit from ongoing support.

• Short-Term Support: Targeted Help for Specific Challenges

Short-term learning support is designed to address specific skills a student is struggling with. This type of support usually lasts a few weeks to a few months, with focused sessions to build competence in one area.

✅ Example: A Year 3 student struggles with phonics and reading fluency. With three months of structured phonics intervention (meeting twice a week), their reading speed improves by 40 words per minute, and they gain the confidence to read independently in class.

✅ Example: A Year 7 student has difficulty with long division. After eight weeks of small-group maths intervention, they achieve a 20% improvement on their assessments and no longer need extra help.

• Long-Term Support: Consistent Help for Ongoing Needs

Some students need continuous support due to learning differences like dyslexia, ADHD, or processing disorders. With the right accommodations, these students can excel academically.

✅ Example: A Year 5 student with dyslexia receives weekly reading support throughout primary school. With structured literacy instruction, their reading comprehension grows from the 20th percentile in Year 3 to the 60th percentile in Year 6.

✅ Example: A Year 9 student with ADHD struggles with time management. Through learning support coaching, they learn organisation strategies, leading to a 30% improvement in assignment completion rates over the term.

Learning support is about building strengths, not focusing on weaknesses. With the right guidance, students can develop strategies that help them succeed independently.

What Does Learning Support Look Like?

Effective learning support uses evidence-based methods tailored to each student’s needs. At Grace, support may include:

📌 Small-group instruction – Students work in groups of 2-5 peers for targeted skill-building.
📌 One-on-one tutoring – Individualised sessions focus on reading, maths, or study strategies.
📌 Classroom accommodations – Simple adjustments (like extra time on tests or audiobooks) help students thrive.
📌 Assistive technology – Tools like speech-to-text software or maths apps provide additional support.
📌 Executive function coaching – Students learn time management, note-taking, and organisation.

Even students without diagnosed learning differences benefit from study strategies and structured support. Learning support is for any student who needs a boost.

Breaking the Stigma: Learning Support is for Success

Many successful people, including Albert Einstein, Richard Branson, and Agatha Christie, struggled with learning challenges. With the right support, students can excel in school and beyond.

Instead of seeing learning support as a last resort, we should view it as a proactive step. If a child needed glasses to see the board, we wouldn’t hesitate to provide them. Learning support is no different—it’s simply another tool for success.

At Grace, we believe every child can succeed with the right support. If you have concerns about your child’s learning, our support team is here to help. Let’s work together to ensure every student has the tools they need to thrive.

The IGCSE journey is a marathon, not a sprint. As students navigate the challenging curriculum, the pressure of the final examinations looms large. Preparation is key to achieving success. One of the most effective ways to prepare is through IGCSE mock exams. These practice tests serve as a crucial stepping stone, providing students with valuable experience before they sit for their final assessments.

These practice runs are more than just tests; they’re valuable learning experiences that pave the way for success. 

Why Mock Exams Matter:

• Simulating the Real Deal: Mock exams replicate the actual IGCSE examination environment, including time constraints, question formats, and invigilation procedures. This helps students become familiar with the pressure and develop effective time management strategies.
• Identifying Strengths and Weaknesses: Mock exams provide a clear picture of a student’s academic standing. By analysing their performance, students can pinpoint areas where they excel and areas that require further attention.
• Building Confidence: Successfully completing a mock exam can boost a student’s confidence and reduce exam-related anxiety. Familiarity with the exam format and the ability to perform under pressure can alleviate nervousness on the actual exam day.
• Developing Exam Technique: Mock exams offer opportunities to practice different exam techniques, such as planning answers, prioritising questions, and managing time effectively.
• Reducing Exam Day Surprises: By experiencing the exam format beforehand, students are less likely to encounter unexpected challenges on the actual exam day.

The Benefits of IGCSE Mock Exams:

• Improved Time Management: Mock exams force students to work within strict time limits, helping them develop the ability to allocate time effectively and avoid running out of time during the actual exam.
• Enhanced Recall and Application: Practicing under exam conditions strengthens recall and reinforces the application of knowledge.
• Reduced Stress and Anxiety: Familiarity with the exam process and improved confidence can significantly reduce stress and anxiety during the actual exams.
• Targeted Revision: Mock exam results provide valuable insights into areas that require further revision, allowing students to focus their efforts on the most critical topics.
• Performance Analysis: Teachers can analyse the mock results, and provide feedback to students on how to improve.

The Power of Past Papers:

Complementing mock exams with diligent study of past IGCSE exam papers is paramount. Here’s why:

• Understanding Exam Patterns: Past papers reveal recurring themes, question styles, and assessment criteria, helping students understand the examiners’ expectations.
• Familiarity with Question Types: Students become accustomed to the various question types, such as multiple-choice, short-answer, and extended-response questions.
• Practice Under Exam Conditions: Working through past papers under timed conditions simulates the actual exam experience, enhancing time management and exam technique.
• Identifying Common Mistakes: Analyzing past papers helps students identify common mistakes and avoid them in their own answers.
• Building Confidence Through Practice: Consistently working through past papers builds confidence and reduces anxiety by demonstrating progress and familiarity with the exam format.

By combining the benefits of IGCSE mock exams with the strategic use of past papers, students can significantly enhance their exam readiness and maximise their chances of success. Embrace these tools, and watch your IGCSE journey transform from a daunting challenge into a rewarding achievement.

The GSS Student Council: A Path to Leadership, Service, and Growth

At Grace, we believe in nurturing students not just academically but holistically, preparing them to become leaders and responsible citizens. One of the most impactful ways we do this is through the GSS Student Council. Running for student council, voting for peers, and being elected are more than exciting moments for students—they are rich, hands-on lessons in leadership, responsibility, and service.

Leadership in Action

From the moment students decide to run for student council, they step into a world of leadership. Crafting campaign speeches, building coalitions of support, and working toward election victory all require courage, communication skills, and the ability to inspire others. Students who vote also experience the importance of civic engagement, learning that their voice and choice matter in shaping the school community.

For those elected, the student council provides an incredible opportunity to exercise leadership on a broader scale. They make decisions, organise events, and work collaboratively to address the needs of the student body. These experiences offer a glimpse into the complexities of leadership and governance, preparing students for future leadership roles in their personal and professional lives.

Learning to Serve

One of Grace’s core values is Service, and the GSS Student Council is a living embodiment of this principle. Being on the council teaches students how to serve their community. They learn to listen to their peers’ needs, act with empathy, and strive to make a positive difference in the school environment. This practice of service extends beyond the walls of the school, shaping the character of each student and encouraging them to carry these values into their larger communities.

Whether it’s organising fundraisers, planning school-wide initiatives, or addressing issues that affect their peers, student council members learn that leadership is about serving others. By participating in service-driven activities, they grow in humility, empathy, and responsibility, all of which are essential traits for success in life.

Building for the Future

In addition to the immediate benefits of serving on the GSS Student Council, students also gain skills that will serve them in the future. Colleges and universities highly value students who demonstrate leadership and community involvement, and having a role in student government is often a key component of a strong application. Being elected to a leadership position shows initiative, commitment, and the ability to work well with others—qualities that are highly sought after in higher education and beyond.

The soft skills students develop—such as teamwork, problem-solving, and public speaking—are essential for any career path they choose. The confidence they gain through these experiences will serve them well whether they pursue leadership roles in their careers or communities.

A Lifelong Impact

Ultimately, the GSS Student Council is more than just a school activity. It’s a platform for students to grow as individuals, learn to serve others, and become equipped for future leadership. It is a unique opportunity for students to embody Grace’s value of Service, learning not only how to lead but also how to care for and uplift their community.

By participating in the GSS Student Council, students don’t just enrich their school experience; they are investing in their future as compassionate leaders and engaged citizens of the world.

Holistic Education: Nurturing the Whole Child

In today’s fast-paced world, it’s easy to become overly focused on academic achievement. However, a truly effective education goes beyond test scores and grades. Holistic education recognises that each child is a unique individual with diverse needs and interests. It aims to nurture the whole child, encompassing their intellectual, emotional, social, and physical development.

Why is holistic education important?

• Well-rounded development: Holistic education helps children develop a balanced personality by focusing on all aspects of their growth.
• Improved academic performance: When students feel emotionally and socially supported, they are more likely to be motivated and engaged in learning.
• Life skills development: Holistic education equips children with essential life skills such as critical thinking, problem-solving, creativity, and communication.
• Positive mindset: A holistic approach fosters a positive and growth-oriented mindset, helping children develop resilience and a love for learning.

Key components of holistic education:

• Academic excellence: A strong foundation in core subjects is essential.
• Emotional well-being: Addressing the emotional needs of students and providing support for mental health.
• Social development: Fostering positive relationships with peers and teachers.
• Physical health: Promoting physical activity and healthy lifestyle habits.
• Character development: Cultivating values such as integrity, empathy, and respect.

At Grace International School, we believe in a holistic approach to education. We strive to create a nurturing environment where students can thrive academically, socially, and emotionally. By focusing on the whole child, we are preparing them for a successful and fulfilling future.