Student Support Services
At the Western Academy of Beijing we believe students learn best in a caring and inclusive environment. We provide a comprehensive model designed to support every student.
An Overview of Student Support
Our Philosophy
Students experience inclusive education when they can access and fully participate in learning alongside their similar-aged peers, supported by reasonable adjustments and teaching strategies tailored to meet their individual needs.
At WAB, inclusion is embedded in all aspects of school life and is supported by culture, policy, and practices.
WAB is committed to a journey toward a more inclusive education system, which includes all levels, activities, and settings. We have high expectations for all students, recognizing that with the right support all students can succeed. We welcome all students and staff, irrespective of race, color, creed, and ability.
Our commitment means that children and young people from all social, cultural, community, and family backgrounds, and of all identities and all abilities can:
- attend our school and be welcomed;
- learn in a safe and supportive environment, free from bullying, discrimination, or harassment;
- access and participate in a high-quality education and fully engage in the curriculum alongside their similar-aged peers;
- achieve academically and socially with reasonable adjustments and supports tailored to meet their learning needs.
WAB uses a variety of collaborative approaches, including co-planning, co-teaching, and co-assessing so that students can learn in an inclusive environment, meeting their full potential with varied levels of support. This collaborative approach allows all students to receive support when they need it. Our Student Support model provides focused and targeted instruction to meet diverse student needs through a partnership with families.
The student is at the heart of the integrated student support model. All services are available to all students, as required. The homeroom/subject teacher is the primary support for students in their care. Teachers collaborate with Support Services to develop a plan that best meets a student’s individual needs.
Students, parents, and staff are involved in a collaborative process for developing differentiated programs that best support the learning needs of the child in an inclusive class environment.
Our Team
WAB Support Services comprises a highly effective and professional team that works within each section of the school: educational psychology, Learning Support (LS), English as an Additional Language (EAL), and both academic and social-emotional counselling. WAB also works within an integrated model of support for therapies, such as speech, language, and occupational to provide services for students.
- Homeroom Teachers / Subject teachers / Mentors are integral to the support of students. They are primary contacts for students and work in collaboration with other services as needs arise.
- Learning Support (LS) teachers at WAB support students with different learning abilities through collaboration, co-teaching, push-in, and pull-out lessons. The LS teachers collaborate with classroom teachers to differentiate the programs to ensure implementation of the accommodations and modifications required by the student. LS teachers offer specific intervention-based programs when required for students. Sometimes LS teachers will be required to assist with referrals to communicate with professionals and collaborate with teachers in following recommendations. LS teachers will work with specialists to provide opportunities for students to receive therapy and specialized programs from professionals in the community. The LS teacher will also plan and implement the Individual Education Plans (IEPs) for students who require specific goal setting.
- English as and Additional Language (EAL) teachers work within an IB discipline with assessed criteria (Language Acquisition), teaching EAL students and supporting classroom teachers to differentiate teaching and learning. EAL programs are designed to address equity of access and opportunity for EAL learners and are based on data collated using World-Class Instructional Design and Assessment (WIDA). EAL teachers confer and collaborate regularly with teachers to discuss a student’s needs and develop strategies to achieve expectations.
- Counselors support the academic, social, and emotional needs of students. Counsellors offer support services for students and families as they manage issues of living and studying in an international environment. Counsellors endeavor to promote personal well-being, healthy relationships, and the successful balance of academic, extracurricular, and community involvement for WAB students.
- Educational Psychologist provides guidance for those who may require it about psychological services available, screening, and assessment options, WAB’s Educational Psychologist is available to meet and to advise and work closely with families, students, and staff.
- Enriched Inclusion Lead teacher and a Specialized Teaching Assistant (STA) coordinate help for a few students who may require one-to-one individualized programming.
- Nurses form an important part of student support at WAB. Nurses focus on the health and well-being of students and families. They collaborate with other school services as appropriate. WAB employs full-time Chinese registered nurses, as well as foreign-hire register nurses.
Promoting personal well-being, healthy relationships and the successful balance of academic, extracurricular and community.
Supporting students with different learning abilities through collaboration, co-teaching, push-in, and pull-out lessons.
Working within an IB discipline with assessed criteria (Language Acquisition), teaching EAL students and supporting classroom teachers to differentiate teaching and learning.
Providing guidance for those who may require it about psychological services available, screening, and assessment options.
