SEND stands for Special Educational Needs and Disabilities – but at its heart, it is about recognising that every child learns differently. Some pupils may need a little extra support with reading, focus, or confidence, and that is where our Personalised Learning (PL) team comes in.
Special educational needs and disabilities can affect how a young person learns or interacts with the world around them. This might include challenges with:
- Behaviour or socialising, such as finding it difficult to make friends or work in groups
- Reading and writing, for example due to dyslexia
- Understanding and processing information
- Concentration, as in the case of attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD)
- Physical ability, which can affect movement or participation in some classroom activities
At RSJ, we understand that learning differences are not limitations – they are part of what makes each pupil unique. That is why we take a personalised approach, working closely with students and families to identify needs early and to find effective strategies for support.
Every learner has their own preferred way of taking in information. Some are visual learners, who understand best through images and diagrams. Others are auditory learners, who absorb knowledge by listening and discussing. Read/write learners prefer words and written notes, while kinesthetic learners thrive when they can move, build, or create. Some pupils are logical learners, drawn to problem-solving and patterns, while others learn best socially through collaboration, or independently, in quiet reflection.
Additionally, some learners take longer to read, write or process information and benefit from being given extra time to complete tasks. Learners with ADHD traits may be able to demonstrate their knowledge and skills best if they are able to take rest breaks or have their learning and test taking conditions carefully considered (for example, sitting nearer to the front of the classroom, away from distractions or completing exams in a smaller venue). These are just some examples of how pupils may learn differently but there are a number of other alternative teaching and learning strategies that individuals may require.
One method of support we offer is by helping teachers understand pupils’ strengths, learning differences and teaching strategies through a Pupil Support Sheet, allowing them to tailor lessons so that every pupil can access the curriculum in a way that works best for them. Depending on the learning difference, we also put short-term, targeted interventions in place or if the need requires long-term, alternative provision, we put Personalised Learning lessons in place to offer tailored support.
SEND is not a label, and it is certainly not a problem. It is a framework for understanding, supporting, and celebrating diversity in learning. At RSJ, inclusion is at the heart of everything we do, ensuring that every pupil feels valued, confident, and empowered to reach their full potential, both in the classroom and beyond.
If you would like to learn more about how we support pupils through SEND, or if you have questions about your child’s learning journey, please contact our PL team:
Anaam Zakria, Head of SEND – anaam.zakria@rugbyschooljapan.ed.jp
Sophie Nicholls, SENDCO – sophie.nicholls@rugbyschooljapan.ed.jp
They are always available to offer guidance, share strategies, and work alongside families to ensure that every learner thrives.
