Dyslexia is a common learning difficulty that can cause problems with reading, writing and spelling. It can also affect organisational skills. It’s a specific learning difficulty, which means it causes problems with certain abilities used for learning, such as reading and writing. Unlike a learning disability, intelligence isn’t affected. Dyslexia exists in all cultures and across a range of abilities and socio-economic backgrounds. It is a hereditary, life-long, neurodevelopmental condition.
Since dyslexia can cause many challenges, this can lead to feelings of being invisible as the struggles faced are often unseen. The effects of dyslexia range from children in school who find difficulty in keeping up with their friends to adults around the world. It is for this reason that dyslexia week 2021 focuses on Invisible Dyslexia, to explore the entire theme of visibility within our community, increasing awareness and understanding.
Being dyslexic does not have to be a barrier to learning, early identification and knowledge of the characteristics of dyslexia are important. There is no one way of teaching students with dyslexia and all dyslexic learners are different. However, dyslexia relates a great deal to the learning context. At St Edward’s we are pushing forward to develop further in a dyslexia-friendly manner, in terms of expectations, tasks that are set, materials available and the way information is presented. This approach can do much to reduce the impact of dyslexia on the individual. We believe that dyslexia is a whole-school responsibility and not the responsibility of one individual.
To raise awareness of dyslexia, classes around College have been working on a variety of projects and activities in English, Art, Drama and ICT, just to name a few. The boys have responded in a mature and positive way, learning new things and developing their understanding.
