Student Supports

Quicksmart

Quicksmart is an intervention program that has been supporting students in Literacy at Norwood Secondary College since 2016 and Numeracy since 2022. The purpose of the program is to improve student reading and comprehension skills (literacy) and/or number fact and mathematical fluency (numeracy). Students attend Quicksmart sessions in pairs three times per week for 30 minutes, often coming out of their French, English, Humanities, Maths, Science or Music subjects.

Students are selected based on their PAT comprehension scores and testing, which occurs in August of the year prior. Approximately 90 students are offered a place in the program and it is not restricted to Year 7 students, although they are the first priority. Data throughout the year is used to inform changes to Quicksmart participants.

Involvement in the Quicksmart program is not compulsory and students and their families have the opportunity to opt out. A list of students involved is sent to staff at the start of the year notifying them of the students enrolled in the program. If staff have any assessments or tasks that need to be completed and that the Quicksmart student is finding difficult, please communicate this to the relevant Quicksmart support staff - Fiona Barnett, Sarah Tattersall and Dianna Harrison.

TLI and MYLNS

Norwood Secondary College is committed to supporting student success through the Tutor Learning Initiative (TLI) and the Middle Years Literacy and Numeracy Support (MYLNS) programs. The TLI provides funding for tutors to deliver in-class learning support at Years 8 and 9 focused on foundational literacy and numeracy skills (usually in English and Math classrooms), essential for academic and life success. This program is integrated into our whole-school approach, enhancing existing support for students with complex learning needs. Students are selected using NAPLAN data, PAT data, teacher judgement, as well as other considerations concerning school engagement and wellbeing. 

Similarly, the MYLNS initiative offers intensive teaching support for Year 10 students at risk of not achieving necessary literacy and numeracy skills for future work and study. MYLNS is a critical Tier 3 intervention within our teaching and learning program, with funding allocated to utilise experienced teachers as MYLNS Improvement Teachers, also offering in-class support. These teachers work directly with students identified through Year 9 NAPLAN results or other assessments, ensuring they receive the additional support needed to reach their educational goals.