Accelerated Education Unit
Our A.E.U. Programme
The Accelerated Education Unit (A.E.U.) at Thomas More College provides comprehensive learning and counselling support for students, parents, and staff. Our services include remedial lessons, speech and occupational therapy, and language support, all aimed at fostering an enriched educational experience. Additionally, we offer enrichment programs, study skills development, extra lessons, and psychological support.
We are committed to inclusive education and tailor our approach to meet each child’s unique needs. To ensure a supportive learning environment, we have dedicated spaces on campus for therapy sessions and lessons. Please note that sessions with external therapists will incur separate, privately charged fees.
Learning Support
The AEU operates as a private entity whereby students are charged for their therapy over and above their school fees.
The AEU acquires the services of the best available professionals to serve the needs of our pupils. Currently the AEU offers the following specialists. Permanent consultants at Thomas More College in their private capacity are as follows (charged privately):
- High School Counsellor (limited sessions covered by TMC)
- Primary School Counsellor (limited sessions covered by TMC)
- Speech and Language Therapists
- Extra lessons in core subjects i.e. English, Maths & Afrikaans
- Dyslexia and dyscalculia consolations, testing and therapy
- Occupational Therapists
- Physiotherapist
- Remedial Therapists
- Homework supervision
- Study skills coaching
In addition, we offer (charged privately):
- Annual eyesight testing
- Annual hearing testing
The AEU is the centre for psychological tests, accommodation / concession motivations, remedial assessments and interviews pertaining to subject / career choices. Pupils who are exempted from isiZulu/Afrikaans classes (according to a specific policy) are also assisted in the AEU with additional Afrikaans or other therapies.
Screening
In the year prior to entry, we screen all prospective candidates. The goal of the screening is to assess the candidate’s level of performance and to learn about his or her areas of strength and weakness before possible acceptance. Every applicant for the Primary School (from Grade 00) undergoes a screening by means of an age-appropriate assessment prior to acceptance. There is a scheduled group screening once a year, but individual screenings can take place throughout the year, by appointment only.
Accommodation & Concession
Accommodation refers to modifications in the environment, curriculum format, or equipment that enable individuals to access content and complete tasks. These adjustments are designed to support students in overcoming barriers to learning, allowing them to pursue a standard course of study and accurately demonstrate their knowledge and abilities during assessments and examinations. Concession refers to adult guided aid during examinations.
Accommodation and concessions are available to High School students facing learning difficulties to help them effectively engage with the curriculum. It is the school’s responsibility to identify, recommend and provide the necessary motivation for these services. Requests for concessions must be initiated by High School teachers and heads of departments. This process is followed by a referral to an educational psychologist and the completion of appropriate scholastic assessments as required by the school.