Learning Support | International School of Samui

Learning Support at ISS

We believe that all children should receive the correct access and accommodations to be successful in their learning. We embrace differences in learning and diversity within our school community, and strive to create the best support for each student’s individual needs. Students all learn at different rates, and no child is the same. By embracing diversity in our student population, we are able ensure that all our students have access to the instruction and support they need to succeed academically, socially and emotionally. Students from diverse backgrounds may have different experiences and perspectives, and it is important for us as a school to acknowledge and value these differences in order to create a welcoming and inclusive learning environment. Providing the correct support for our students leads to them feeling that their unique identities are recognised and valued, they are more likely to have positive self-esteem and a sense of belonging in our community.

Learning Support Programmes

Academic Interventions

Our Academic Interventions provide targeted, small-group programmes designed to bridge learning gaps and build core study skills. Following a graduated response model, these interventions focus on accelerating progress in literacy, numeracy, and executive functioning through structured push-in and pull-out models.

Pupils in Academic Interventions receive:

Targeted Small-Group Instruction: Focused literacy and numeracy support delivered by specialist teachers.
Skill-Building Packages: Short-term modules addressing revision techniques, exam strategies, workload management, and organisational skills.
Collaborative Monitoring: Regular pupil-progress tracking and check-ins to ensure learners regain momentum alongside their peers.

1:1 Support

For pupils with complex academic, cognitive, or physical access needs, our 1:1 Support model delivers intensive, individualised guidance to promote independence and full curriculum engagement. Working closely with classroom teachers, external specialists, and parents, our dedicated support staff provide tailored assistance inside and outside the classroom.

Pupils receiving 1:1 Support benefit from:

Dedicated Specialist Allocation: Direct, one-on-one assistance from an Academic Support specialist throughout the school day.
Individualised Learning Plans: Customised learning goals developed alongside multidisciplinary teams and external specialist recommendations.
Adaptive Technology & Modifications: Tailored curriculum adjustments and assistive digital tools (such as speech-to-text and literacy software) to remove barriers to learning.

Higher Ability Learners (HAL)

Our Higher Ability Learners (HAL) programme is engineered to stretch, challenge, and inspire pupils demonstrating exceptional intellectual capacity, advanced critical thinking, or unique talent. We provide enriched academic pathways that enable high-achieving pupils to deepen their knowledge and excel beyond standard grade-level expectations.

Pupils in the HAL programme receive:

In-Class Differentiation & Compacting: Tailored learning tasks, open-ended inquiries, and accelerated coverage of core content.
Accelerated Pathways: Subject-specific extension options, advanced placement, and opportunities for early exam entry.
Mentorship & Enrichment: Specialised co-curricular masterclasses, academic competitions, leadership projects, and independent research mentorship.

English as an Additional Language (EAL)

The EAL programme equips pupils whose primary language is not English with the linguistic proficiency necessary to access the full curriculum and thrive within our school community. Support focuses on expanding academic vocabulary, mastering complex grammar, and building confidence in reading, writing, listening, and speaking.

Pupils in the EAL programme receive:

Targeted Language Instruction: Focused pull-out sessions targeting essential grammar, writing mechanics, and reading comprehension.
In-Class Immersion Support: Specialist co-teaching within mainstream classrooms to assist with subject-specific language demands.
Ongoing Language Assessment: Continuous proficiency monitoring to seamlessly transition pupils toward full academic independence.

Access Arrangements

Access Arrangements ensure that pupils with identified learning needs, disabilities, or medical conditions can demonstrate their true knowledge and potential during examinations and assessments. Guided by specialist evaluations and regular classroom practices, we implement reasonable adjustments to ensure fair and equal access.

Pupils eligible for Access Arrangements may receive:

Assessment Accommodations: Approved provisions such as extra time, rest breaks, promptings, or separate rooming based on documented needs.
Assistive Digital Tools: Use of approved technological accommodations, including word processors, reading pens, and text-to-speech literacy software during assessments.
Specialist Verification: Comprehensive identification and collaboration with in-house specialists to formalise arrangements.