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Our school has a proud history of closing the gaps for many students who have struggled with learning.

Some students arrive, working several years below their age and leave with NCEA Levels 1, 2 and/or 3. Their prospects for employment are well above what they ever imagined.

Students are placed in mixed ability classes but some may need extra support.

How do we identify people needing support?
- Caregiver and whanau referral
- Self-referral
- Information from contributing schools and other agencies
- Teacher referral
- Screening on entry and at the end of each year.

Support may include any of:
- One to one or small group teaching around literacy issues
- Placement in a targeted class which has a smaller number of students and learning support assistant help
- A differentiated curriculum
- Learning support assistant support in some classes through to senior levels
- Special Assessment conditions including a variety of supports, eg: reader/writer, laptop use
- Assistive technology for note taking and assessments
- ORS support with a specialist teacher and learning support assistant time
- RTLB (Resource Teacher, Learning and Behaviour) support
- Year 9 Numeracy option
- Year 9 and 10 Literacy options.

There are two literacy options - one for students with learning differences like dyslexia, dysgraphia and dyspraxia, and one for teaching learning strategies. The strategies option focuses on comprehension and thinking skills as well as reading and/or writing.

- Parents and senior- junior buddy reading
- Tailored computer courses to assist in reading improvements (STEPSs)
- Individual Learning Plans - working with students and their teachers to create a goal-focused plan to improve students' ability to access and succeed in all lessons
-Senior students who require NCEA assistance can be supported through the Boost programme. Here students are helped with their assessments and given additional support to gain credits.

For more information contact one of our SENCOs (Special Educational Needs Coordinators)

Nicola Fletcher - nicola.fletcher@hvhs.school.nz

Cara Penfold - cara.penfold@hvhs.school.nz

Tautoko - Learning Support Centre

Tautoko, our Supported Learning Centre, is for both ORS funded and other students with a range of learning needs who require a smaller,specialized environment.  Students benefit from having learning support assistant support and working in small groups,to engage in a full curriculum programme, adapted to meet their needs.  (Click above for more details)

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Students with non- English speaking background are supported by the ESOL (English Language) department.

English Language Classes at Hutt Valley High School

There are a range of different English classes at HVHS you can take to help you improve your English.  

Depending on your level you can take one, two or three English classes. In your English language class you will improve your listening, speaking, reading and writing in English.  You will also learn about New Zealand history, culture and society and go on some fun trips exploring the local area.

If you are doing an NCEA programme we have classes that give you credits for your NCEA certificate.  These classes help you reach the level required for literacy (reading and writing) at level 1, 2 and 3.  These credits are also what you need to get into a New Zealand university.  In our NCEA English language classes you can also get help with the work for your other subjects. We support your English learning across all your subjects.

If you have concerns about your child’s learning, you are welcome to contact any members of the Priority Learner Team. Phone:  566 4584, The Priority Learner Team comprises the following staff: Nicola Fletcher, Cara Penfold and Jamie Casley. They oversee the special education needs and literacy needs of students. For English language information contact Sarah Roper.

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