Learning Support
Ensuring All Students Succeed
At ICS, we are committed to fostering a learning environment that embraces diversity, promotes equity, and prioritises inclusion.
Primary Learning Support
At ICS, we believe that every student can succeed when provided with an environment that recognises their unique journey. Our approach to Primary Learning Support is rooted in the principles of inclusion and equity, aiming to identify and remove the individual barriers that may prevent a learner from fully engaging with their education. By fostering a culture of shared responsibility, our dedicated educators and specialists work collaboratively to ensure that every student has equitable access to our challenging curriculum.
We are an International Baccalaureate (IB) committed school, our policies and procedures are in line with the International Baccalaureate’s Access and Inclusion Policy. As such, we offer both push-in and pull-out supports, dependent on level of need, in the following areas; Communication and Interaction, Social, Emotional and Mental Health, Literacy, Mathematics, Physical Development and Executive Functioning.
Middle and Senior School Learning Support
Students receive support according to need: Tier 2 offers mild support via an Individual Learning Plan (ILP) and One Pager, Tier 3 provides targeted assistance in one area for up to four periods per week (pull out classes), and Tier 3+ delivers intensive, individualised support across multiple areas for over four periods per week.
In Grades 5–8, Learning Support lessons strengthen executive functioning, literacy, social-emotional skills, and guided home learning, while Grades 9–12 participate in student-driven academic coaching sessions guided by staff. Learning Support collaborates with parents, teachers, counsellors, and external professionals to assess students, provide tailored programmes or one-to-one support, assist with organisation, study strategies, assessments, and executive functioning, manage International Baccalaureate (IB) access arrangements, and guide students in understanding their learner profile to foster independence, resilience, and maturity.
Extended Learning Needs Programme
At Inter-Community School Zurich (ICS), our Extended Learning Needs Programme (ELNP) provides specialised support for students who benefit from individualised learning pathways. Our school community is intentionally diverse, and we deeply value the individuality of every learner. We celebrate a wide range of strengths, perspectives, and experiences — including neurodiversity and linguistic diversity — and believe that our differences enrich the learning environment for all.
The ELNP works collaboratively with teachers, families, and external specialists to ensure that every student feels known, supported, and included. Through careful assessment, personalised planning, and targeted interventions, we design programmes that respond to each child’s unique profile of strengths and needs. We support students of all ages and abilities so they can engage meaningfully in school life and learning.
Students enrolled in the Extended Learning Needs Programme follow an individualised curriculum that emphasises functional academics, communication, social and emotional development, behaviour regulation, and independent living skills. In addition, students can access an accredited vocational and career preparation pathway through Award Scheme Development and Accreditation Network (ASDAN), supporting the development of practical skills, confidence, independence, and readiness for life beyond school.