Find out more
Having dyslexia can pose its challenges, but it also shapes one’s experiences and perspectives, making each individual unique. We aim to inspire everyone to recognise and appreciate individuals with dyslexia.
This week, to raise awareness, Academic Support has been sending out daily information that aims to inspire and enhance understanding of dyslexia within the Wellington community. A stall has been set up around Combermere Quad with engaging activities. Additionally, there is a drop-in session available to discuss anything related to dyslexia with Mrs Babalola and Miss Knight. You can also explore a display of dyslexia-related books in the library.
“Dyslexia Awareness Week is important because it promotes understanding, early intervention, advocacy, empowerment, inclusivity, and positive change for dyslexic individuals and society as a whole. By recognising and supporting this awareness week, we can work towards a more inclusive and equitable society where everyone has the opportunity to reach their full potential, regardless of their learning differences.” – Ruth Babalola, Literacy, Learning and Intervention Specialist
As this year’s theme for Dyslexia Awareness Week is ‘Uniquely You’, we have gathered some information from pupils and staff about their positive experiences plus any challenges in and outside the classroom with dyslexia and how it affects them. We are extremely grateful to them for trusting us and sharing their stories.
Welly pupil voice
Dyslexia is something that I have had since I was young but has never been something I have been ashamed of. However, there are lots of people that make comments here and there, e.g., “You’re stupid”, “I can’t believe you have dyslexia”, but dyslexic people aren’t stupid, they just learn in a different way, and their brain functions in a different way to others.
I am very organised in my daily activities and very much like sticking to a plan, so I know what’s going to happen next.
Dyslexia is something I am not embarrassed about but something I embrace. – Sofia
One of the challenges I faced was receiving a late diagnosis, just before my GCSEs. This made it difficult for both me and my teachers to understand why I had been struggling prior to that. Reading books or lengthy paragraphs has always been a struggle, as it feels like information isn’t easily absorbed, and my processing speed is slower.
On a positive note, I possess a more creative personality. Instead of gravitating towards logical subjects like mathematics that demand definitive answers, I find music much more accessible and enjoy exploring its creative aspects.
Managing an abundance of information simultaneously or recalling specific details from textbooks during revision proves to be a significant challenge in my daily life. – Izzy
Welly staff voice
I’ve been lucky to have learnt some effective coping techniques over the years which I use every day without even thinking about them. For me it’s all about process (doing things in the same way) and checking – I need to really think about organising arguments and keep things as simple as possible structurally and then not worry about it. Many people won’t notice my dyslexia – except when I write on the whiteboard and I make loads of spelling mistakes.
My younger daughter is very dyslexic, and I see it every day with her reading, writing and speaking at home. For me, the next challenge with dyslexia is how to help my daughter find some techniques that work for her so she can cope with it too. – Mr Roundell, Head of Business
Did you know…
…here are just a few ways that dyslexia can impact pupils and adults:
- Memory can be unreliable and unpredictable (and very frustrating!)
- Sequencing information, e.g., it can be hard to work through the steps of Maths word problems, or organise ideas into a clear essay structure
- Following instructions – you may remember the first and the last, but lose your way in the middle
- Processing speed is often slower, meaning that you can miss out on important information in lessons or conversations
- Spelling
- Slower reading speed
- Letters can appear to be reversed, or even move about on the page
- Comprehension
- Mis-reading test questions and so losing marks, even when you know the answer
