Supporting Student Success in the Learning Centre

Though only operational since September 2009, the Learning Centre has already made a hugely positive impact on Senior School students. Situated a short distance from the Guidance Office, the Centre is designed to offer support in a comfortable and flexible environment.

Flooded with natural light and overlooking the Play & Sports Field, the Senior School Learning Centre is furnished with varied seating arrangements, including tables with chairs, single workstations and study carrels, with tip sheets on a variety of learning issues covering much wall space. All students in the Senior School are welcome to drop in on an ad hoc basis, for general or specific support, or to simply find a quiet place to study, do homework, or work on projects with others.

The Learning Centre Team offers a wide range of services to support student learning. These include: support for students with identified learning needs; the investigation of academic concerns and, as needed, referral to educational assessment professionals outside the school; and assistance with referrals to tutors and academic coaches. The Learning Centre staff includes the school’s Consulting Psychologist, Educational Assistant and Learning Strategies Teacher.

Ms. Loke, the Learning Strategies teacher,  works out of the main floor Learning Centre and helps students with organization and study skills, time and project management, and test-prep and test-taking strategies. Ms. Loke believes that helping students to gain a better understanding of their individual learning style, learning strengths and areas of challenge allows them to achieve greater success both in classroom and independent work.

Additionally, the Learning Strategies teacher works closely with the guidance counsellors to run a peer mentoring program. The program pairs Levels III through V students, who volunteer their time one hour per week to assist younger students with organizational skills and subject-specific support. Ms. Loke conducts regular training sessions for peer mentors to review progress and reinforce good mentoring techniques.

The Learning Strategies teacher also works with the University Relations guidance counsellors to assist students with identified learning needs and their transition to university. Students work through a learning profile sheet in order to show that they understand themselves as learners. In addition, students receive a support package of learning tips and techniques, and contact information for the Learning Commons at their university destination. They are also apprised of the learning supports available in the post-secondary setting and how to advocate for themselves. 

So no matter the academic challenge, the Learning Centre is there to support student success in all its forms.