What is the Difference Between Remedial and Assisted Learning?
The terms ‘remedial education’ and ‘assisted learning’ are often used interchangeably in South Africa, but if your child is experiencing academic struggles, knowing the difference could be the turning point in their academic journey. Here’s what you need to understand, and how you can support your child going forward, courtesy of the experts at Newton House School in Johannesburg.
Assisted Learning in South Africa: What It Really Means
Assisted learning refers to structured academic support offered to students, with average to above average intellectual ability, who can generally manage the mainstream curriculum but need extra help to thrive. These learners may have mild to moderate learning difficulties (such as dyslexia, attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), processing speed, dyscalculia, dysgraphia, dyspraxia, gross motor difficulty, fine motor difficulty, or slow work tempo), face anxiety, or simply require a smaller class setting with more interaction and guidance and that allows for varied learning preferences.
Assisted learning programmes, like those offered at Newton House School in Johannesburg, are not about lowering expectations. Instead, they focus on building personalised support into a typical academic environment, including targeted interventions, confidence-boosting strategies, and adjustments, like extra time in tests or homework classes and frequent brain breaks. Therapeutic interventions in the early years of schooling ensure improved academic performance.
Assisted learning is the middle ground between mainstream schooling (the mainstream curriculum is followed) and full remedial education. It helps students bridge gaps rather than overhaul their entire educational path.
Remedial Education in South Africa: A More Intensive Solution
Remedial education is designed for learners with significant and persistent academic challenges that mainstream teaching models can’t effectively address, despite best efforts. These children face barriers, such as dyslexia, ADHD, or processing disorders, that require specialised and individualised attention. As such, they work according to an adapted programme that rebuilds foundational skills with intensive, often multidisciplinary therapeutic input.
Like assisted learning, remedial education goes deeper by modifying teaching pace, introducing occupational or speech therapy sessions, and focusing on building foundational skills from the ground up. It’s a lifeline for students whose struggles aren’t just academic, but cognitive, emotional, or developmental.
In short, assisted learning adapts the support; remedial learning adapts the teaching and the curriculum.
When to Choose Remedial Learning Over Assisted Learning
Here’s where to draw the line when choosing a school:
Choose remedial education if your child:
- May benefit from having a facilitator in class
- Is consistently struggling, despite tutoring or classroom support
- Cannot manage core subjects within mainstream speed or structure
- Has a confirmed learning disability affecting their academic performance long-term
- Needs an IEP (Individual Education Plan) to work according to
- Needs to work according to a differentiated curriculum
Opt for assisted learning if your child:
- May require therapeutic intervention in the early years of schooling
- Copes broadly within the mainstream but requires academic assistance, structure and scaffolding
- Benefits from smaller class sizes and a more supportive learning environment
- Shows academic stress or anxiety
- Benefits from a variety of teaching methodologies
- Continues to progress with accommodations
- Requires supported learning through targeted strategies, not full curriculum adaptation
How Newton House Blends Both Approaches
This is where Newton House School shines. We are not a conventional remedial school; however, our methods extend far beyond traditional mainstream teaching.
Here, students follow South Africa’s national CAPS curriculum but do so in a setting that allows space for both remedial-style support and assisted learning strategies. Class sizes are capped at 13 students per class. Therapists, including remedial, speech therapists, occupational therapists and physiotherapists, are available on-site. The result is a hybrid model where students who may have “fallen through the cracks” find both structure and care without being cut off from their academic future. Students who have achieved their goals in a remedial school often find that Newton House is the perfect fit to continue their academic journey.
How to Support a Struggling Learner at Home
Whether your child participates in assisted or remedial learning, your role at home is vital. Create consistent and realistic routines. Avoid burnout by building in rewards and breaks. Communicate often with teachers. Ask about tutoring when needed. And, most importantly, don’t panic. Learning challenges can be overcome with the right type of support.
Still unsure where your child fits in? Schools like Newton House can guide you through expert consultations and educational assessments to determine the type of support your child needs.