“Gateway Achievers”...

Now, with the expertise of the original staff of Achievers and the Educational Management of Gateway, the school is further developed, building on the values and ethos of the founders.

Mrs. Noreen Welikala the consultant of Gateway Achievers, with 5 decades of experience in the field of education, says that the inclusion of special education to Gateway College is a big step forward and complements and completes the system of education, the Gateway Colleges are well known for. Helping children to deal with intrinsic problems, diagnosing a disability and dealing with behavioral patterns connected with those disabilities and similar problems are dealt with professionally at Gateway Achievers.

Most children, who come to Gateway Achievers, are those who face problems in main-stream schools. They come with low self-esteem, sometimes with severe behavioral problems. Also parents, who have to face challenges with such children, often despair and wonder whether there is any help available for them. The answer would be, correct guidance and direction and the ability to accept the children as they are. The main setback perceived is that these children, see and do things differently. Teachers, peers and par- ents expect them to act as they want; in so-called ‘normal way’; as other children do. We need to help them to believe in themselves and not compare them with others, as each of them is unique in their own way. “If the students cannot learn the way they are taught, teach them the way they can learn” is the philosophy of the team of teachers at Gateway Achievers. These full time teachers are qualified in special education and follow the Alpha to Omega teaching methods. Also there are voluntary teachers who are trained and experienced to support the full time staff.

The school follows the English curriculum with importance given to reading, writing, spelling, maths and comprehension. The O/L Edexel syllabus in selected subjects is also available to students who reach the required levels. Facilities are provided and qualified coaches are appointed for Swimming and Basketball. Also the children are given an opportunity to bring out their best in dance, music, art, craft and drama. The students are entered to local and international competitions where they have won many awards. Special attention is given to developing the social skills of the students. There are annual events such as swimming meets, sports meets and concerts where all children participate. The school hours are from 8 am to 1 pm and remedial classes are offered from 2 pm – 5 pm for children attending formal schools, who have specific difficulties and need individual attention. The children love to be at Gateway Achievers, a place where they are accepted and taken care of.