Assistive Technology

Burlington House School uses a variety of assistive technology, for classroom and home use, chosen to help pupils process and organise their learning. We incorporate the software and hardware that best supports each pupil, so that they can approach their work with independence and keep pace with the exceptional ideas and abilities they bring.

Technology that supports everyday learning

We provide pupils with laptops to record, organise and store their work, which helps them capture their written responses clearly and keep their notes and assignments in order. The Google Classroom platform lets pupils access their classwork organised by topic, which reduces the demands of filing and gives them easy access to visual, audio and multimedia teaching aids. Touch typing is encouraged and practised throughout the curriculum in learning skills sessions.

Software built into lessons

Pupils use a range of subject-specific software during lessons. One example is Texthelp Read and Write Gold, a browser tool that reads blocks of text at the speed, volume and pitch of each pupil’s preference, whether that is a teacher’s resource or web-based research, and which is also approved for use in public examinations. We also use digital on-screen overlays to reduce visual stress.

Preparing for exams

At Key Stage 4, study skills lessons give pupils the chance to practise using assistive technology in an exam-style setting, so that they are confident and well prepared for their access arrangements when it matters most.