Study support
Study support is any ‘learning activity outside normal lessons which young people take part in voluntarily. Study support is, accordingly, an inclusive term, embracing many activities, with many names and many guises. Its purpose is to improve young people's motivation, build their self-esteem and help them to become more effective learners. Above all it aims to raise achievement.' Extending Opportunity: A National Framework for Study Support, DfEE 1988/Study Support: a national framework for extending learning opportunities, DfES 2006.
From this definition it becomes clear that supplementary classes can be regarded as a study support activity; indeed, they take place out of school hours and pupils attend them voluntarily.
Supplementary schools offer opportunities for children to get extra support and tuition in subjects and activities they are interested in, as well as access to a range of opportunities beyond the school day, including weekend and holiday courses, excursions or trips.
A number of supplementary schools also provide sessions in leadership and key life skills for young people, which encourage them, for example, to apply to university and which help increase their employment prospects.
It is, therefore, crucial that supplementary schools are included in the planning of study support activities in primary, as well as in secondary schools, particularly as part of extended services.
Case study
Case study to follow
