While subject departments are responsible for providing and delivering appropriate courses for pupils, the Learning Support Department provides support for colleagues in their consultancy role.

This can involve advice on pupil's needs, appropriate methods and resources, and direct help to differentiate course materials. This begins before S1 pupils arrive in school, as the department provides detailed profiles of children with a range of special needs, drawn up after consultation with primary colleagues and Guidance staff.

The Learning Support Department's timetable is organised on a contractual basis, after subject departments have submitted bids. This can either be to support pupils and staff through co-operative teaching, or to help with developmental work. A valuable part of the system is that both parties to the contract will evaluate its success when it has been completed.

Staff also provide small group support for children with a Record of Needs, and those with complex needs which are not recorded. They advise subject departments on individual educational programmes for these pupils, and collate the results. At present, there are 29 children with an IEP, 10 of whom have a Record of Needs.

Five auxiliaries are available to help children with physical difficulties. Support for learning is also provided at a lunch club, where pupils can receive help with homework or develop their computer skills. A paired reading programme is offered by senior pupils for children in S1 and S2 who wish to improve their reading skills.

The Learning Support Department works very much in partnership with Guidance staff, external support services such as the Educational Psychologist and specialist tutors, and parents, to co-ordinate the best support possible for pupils.