Concessions in Education: Providing Equal Opportunities for All Learners
In education, ensuring that every learner has an equal opportunity to succeed is a key goal. Concessions in education are a vital tool in achieving this aim, especially for students facing barriers to learning. By addressing the unique needs of individual learners, these accommodations create a more inclusive and equitable academic environment.
What Are Concessions in Education?
Concessions in education refer to support measures granted to students who experience challenges that may hinder their ability to demonstrate their full potential in academic assessments. These concessions aim to level the playing field, ensuring that learners are assessed on their knowledge rather than their limitations. They are particularly beneficial for students with learning disabilities, physical impairments, or other barriers to learning.
The South African Department of Basic Education highlights that concessions can range from additional time to more specialised accommodations like providing a reader or scribe for exams. These measures align with global efforts to promote inclusive education systems that cater to diverse learner needs.
Support for Learners
Concessions take various forms, depending on the specific needs of the learner. Below are some examples of commonly granted accommodations:
- Additional Time: Allowing extra time during assessments enables students who process information more slowly to complete their work without undue stress.
- A Scribe: For students with physical or motor impairments, a scribe writes down their dictated answers, ensuring that their thoughts are accurately recorded.
- A Reader: Students with reading difficulties or visual impairments may receive support from a reader who reads exam questions aloud.
- An Amanuensis: This individual both reads questions to the learner and writes down the dictated responses, combining the roles of a reader and a scribe.
- Spelling and Handwriting Accommodations: Learners with dyslexia or other challenges may not be penalised for spelling errors or handwriting issues, focusing assessment on content rather than presentation.
These accommodations are determined through professional assessments, often conducted by educational psychologists or specialised therapists. The process involves evaluating the learner’s challenges and recommending suitable support measures tailored to their individual needs.
How Concessions Work in Practice
Concessions require a collaborative approach involving schools, parents, and educational specialists. Once a learner is identified as needing concessions, assessments are conducted to understand their specific barriers. Recommendations are then made, and schools ensure these accommodations are applied during assessments.
At Newton House, concessions are part of a broader commitment to inclusive Christian education. By providing tailored support, the school ensures that learners across all grades, from pre-primary to high school, can excel academically and develop confidence in their abilities.
The Role of Concessions in Promoting Equity
Concessions are not about giving certain learners an advantage; instead, they ensure fairness by mitigating the effects of barriers to learning. This aligns with the principles of inclusive education as outlined in the South African Department of Education’s policies, which aim to integrate special needs support into mainstream schooling over time.
Newton House: A School That Cares
Newton House is more than just a private school, it offers an integrated academic journey. This continuity allows learners to thrive in a supportive environment throughout their educational careers. With a focus on personalised attention and a commitment to fostering individual strengths, Newton House ensures that learners with diverse needs receive the support they deserve. Concessions in education are a crucial aspect of inclusive learning, offering students with barriers the support they need to succeed. To learn more about Newton House and our approach to inclusive education, visit our website.