Study support
Study support is a term that describes activities organised by schools but held outside of school hours.
The activities can be before school, for example, breakfast clubs, at lunchtime or after school. Some schools run activities on Saturday mornings or in the school holidays. Some activities for primary school pupils are held at the family secondary school so that they are familiar with their new school before they move up in Year 7.
There is a very wide range of activities from homework clubs to African drumming, internet clubs to environmental activities. The clubs are run by teachers, learning support assistants, youth workers, sports coaches, midday supervisors and many other people who work in schools or with young people.
Most families of schools have a study support co-ordinator (usually based in the secondary school) and they can tell you about the kinds of activities being run and how to get involved. There is also a study support consultant based at County Hall who works with all schools to develop study support. They can be contacted on Tel: 0115 977 2817.
The aim of all study support is to raise achievement and to increase opportunities. This can be done by providing more access to computers and more time when pupils can ask staff about specific problems and ideas. They also provide opportunities to extend and enrich the curriculum by visiting places, trying something new, exploring an interest, or developing skills in areas such as music, sport and reading.
Study support activities have a relaxed atmosphere. They are voluntary for everyone involved and young people attend because they are interested. Pupils and staff decide what kinds of things will be attractive and enjoyable. Some study support activities are planned specifically to encourage those who don't usually get involved to give it a go.
