A conversation we sometimes have with parents is around the support we offer to students who learn differently or who have a specific learning disorder. This could be challenges with organisation, attention and focus; working memory & recall or written expression.
Our mission for over 29 years now has been to support all of our students to become confident, independent learners and to do this we adapt to how each student learns and teach them strategies which will work for them.
It is the structure, strategies, and personalised 1:1 support that allows every student to move forward with confidence and achieve their full potential.
Here’s how we support students with varied learning challenges, while also building their confidence, motivation, independence, and self-belief. Many of these strategies sit around the 6 Student Key Behaviours which you can read more about here.
1. Structured & Visual Study Planning
CoWorks Key Behaviour #2 is Plan. Planning and breaking tasks down into small, manageable steps helps students reduce overwhelm, improve focus, and take confident action.
By using the CoWorks Planning Pad and engaging in weekly goal-setting with their coach, students learn how to:
-
Break down big tasks.
-
Allocate time to each task.
-
Prioritise the “frog tasks” (the things they’re avoiding but need to do).
-
Tick off progress to feel in control and capable.
2. Coaching that Builds Confidence and Motivation
At CoWorks, we’ve created a coaching environment that’s not just academically supportive but is built around encouragement, structure, and human connection. We place huge value on rapport building and use specific tools to get the brain in a state that is more conducive to learning, collaborating and problem solving.
We also recognise the importance of linking a student’s hard work to an end goal and giving the HSC context. CoWorks Key Behaviour #1 is Engage your Vision. Engaging your Vision (Your Why), allows a student to connect their daily effort to a bigger purpose, which builds motivation and fuels confidence by reminding them why their hard work matters.
Our coaches work with students to:
-
Create a personalised Vision Board that connects their day-to-day study to their future goals
-
Use our streak and points system to build momentum and track effort. CoWorks rewards “Effort” not “Results”. “Progress” not “Perfection”.
-
Celebrate the wins. Embrace the mistakes.
3. BUILDING HABITS & USING VISUAL TOOLS
CoWorks Key Behaviour #3 is Train Daily. We encourage small, consistent actions over time because repetition builds confidence and recall. In the CoWorks Portal, students can:
-
Complete 10-minute flashcard or quote training
-
Tackle a daily challenge question
-
Submit a mini task that brings them closer to their goals
We support this habit-building with powerful visual tools such as;
-
-
The Mindmap Pad – Visually map out ideas; Break large tasks (like essays or study topics) into smaller, clear chunks; and see connections between concepts.
-
The Essay Building Template – supporting students to approach writing in a more structured, low-stress way.
- Wall to Wall Whiteboards – Every student has their own desk space and whiteboard so that they can brainstorm and collaborate with the coaches.
-
For students with slower processing speeds, the ability to talk an idea through, map it visually, and then write it is an enormous cognitive relief.
4. Flexible & Supportive Environment
Not every student thrives in a group tutoring model. At CoWorks, each session offers 1:1 personalised support and is structured around:
-
Clear goals set with a coach
-
Recommended actions
-
Personalised feedback and gentle re-direction if losing focus
Whether a student is shy and struggling to engage or full of energy and ideas but scattered, our team adapts to their style. We expect students not to always be forthcoming and we’re proactive in how we support and engage them.
5. Marker Feedback and Technology
Our Essay Marking Service gives students fast, actionable, anonymous feedback, removing the pressure of face-to-face critique, particularly beneficial for students with anxiety or perfectionism.
Combined with our smart technology tools, this approach helps students take ownership and build confidence through consistent improvement.
6. Additional Support as needed
We know that learning doesn’t always follow a timetable and so we offer flexible support outside of scheduled sessions:
-
Ask a Coach Zoom drop-ins (Mon & Thurs evenings) to support students studying at home.
-
1:1 support sessions can be booked every week with subject specialists.
These options give students quiet, personalised time to further discuss tough concepts, revise, or ask for help.
Every student has a unique learning profile and at CoWorks, we don’t try to fit them into a one-size-fits-all model. Whether they’re self motivated, unmotivated, a visual learner, a verbal processor, or a student with ADHD, or executive function difficulties, we adapt.
If you’d like to talk more about how the CoWorks program could support your child, give our team a call on 0483 980 820.
