Support for Learning
Helping students with individual needs succeed is an integral part of our school. From supporting those with moderate learning disabilities (Dyslexia, ADHD, Global Delay and Dyscalculia) to providing gifted students with extended education and a mentoring programme, we strive to make every student’s learning experience as best and personalised as it can be. The mentoring programme is designed to develop students further who have a particular strength within subject domains or disciplines.
Student Wellbeing
We believe that a student's mental health and wellbeing are fundamental to their success and happiness. This commitment is woven into the very fabric of our school, ensuring every student feels supported, nurtured and understood.
Our dedicated Wellbeing Team is staffed by expert professional Counsellors and Social Workers. These specialists are available to provide confidential, one-on-one counselling and support for students navigating a wide range of personal, emotional, or social challenges. They offer a safe and non-judgmental space for students to explore their feelings, develop coping strategies, and build resilience.
Our commitment to wellbeing extends far beyond this specialised team. All staff at West Island School—from teachers and teaching assistants to administrative and senior leaders—are actively involved and committed to supporting students' mental health and wellbeing. We work collaboratively, training all staff to be attentive to student needs and to create an inclusive, caring, and supportive classroom and school environment.
The result of this community-wide effort is a school environment where students thrive. We are proud to be a happy school where students feel a strong sense of belonging, are encouraged to seek help when they need it, and are supported to develop into confident, balanced and healthy young adults.
Student Leadership Opportunities
At West Island School, we believe that students should be given a wide range of opportunities to develop and practise their leadership skills in preparation for life beyond WIS. Student Leadership is an integral part of learning and development and hence there are a plethora of opportunities across the school for students to get involved, collaborate, manage and lead.
Some Student Leadership opportunities on offer include being elected as part of the Head Student Team, leading the school’s Dynasty System, membership of the school’s Student Ambassadors and Events Council and becoming Student Mentors, Student Coaches to students in lower year groups. There is also a wide range of leadership opportunities within the school’s comprehensive Creativity, Activity and Service programme.
Many Student Leadership activities focus on strengthening the great learning that takes place at WIS in and out of the classroom, developing students’ care and compassion for the local and international community, as well as embracing the school’s commitment to Creativity, Activity and Service.
Aims of our Student Leadership Programme
- To empower students to work in partnership with staff towards shared goals.
- To enable creativity to flourish as the school community benefits from the wealth of experiences, ideas and skills that the students bring.
- To provide opportunities for students to develop leadership skills through a variety of inspiring, challenging and valued projects which impact positively on learning, teaching and wellbeing for both students and staff.
- To prepare students for life beyond West Island School.
