Blog: Dyslexia Awareness Week at Albyn School

In this blog, we meet with Miss Marshall and Miss Luzanskyte from our Additional Support for Learning Faculty who have been helping to raise awareness and celebrate the unique strengths of learners with dyslexia across our school community. 

- How is Albyn School marking Dyslexia Awareness Week?

Our Additional Support for Learning team have shared blue ribbons for all staff and pupils to wear to highlight this event and show their support. The blue ribbons were first introduced by Ellie, Dyslexia Scotland's First Young Ambassador, to help raise awareness in 2012 and since then over half a million ribbons have been worn in schools and workplaces across Scotland.

To encourage everyone to get further involved, we shared some short, fun videos for classes to watch together and discuss, covering topics such as how dyslexia impacts learners, what challenges they can face and how that makes them feel. They also explored what strengths and talents dyslexics can have, how to celebrate our differences and the many successful people in the world who have or have had dyslexia - such as Albert Einstein, Maggie Aderin-Pocock, Richard Branson, Keira Knightley and Jamie Oliver.

- Why is it important for schools to mark Dyslexia Awareness Week? 

Dyslexia Awareness Week is a chance for schools to raise understanding, challenge misconceptions, and promote inclusion. This year Dyslexia Scotland are challenging common myths about dyslexia with a myth busting campaign. It highlights the importance of supporting learners with dyslexia, sharing strategies that make learning accessible, and fostering a school culture where every pupil can thrive.

- How does raising awareness of dyslexia help build a more inclusive school environment? 

Raising awareness of dyslexia helps build a more inclusive school environment by increasing understanding of the challenges learners may face, reducing stigma, and encouraging empathy among pupils and staff. It ensures that support strategies are recognised and valued, while also celebrating the strengths of dyslexic learners, creating a school culture where every child feels respected and included.

- What message do you hope pupils and staff take away from the week? 

The message of Dyslexia Awareness Week is that every learner is unique and deserves to be understood, supported, and celebrated. By raising awareness, we help pupils show kindness and empathy, encourage staff to use inclusive strategies, and reassure parents that their children’s needs are recognised. Together, this builds a respectful and supportive school community where diversity is valued and every child can thrive and achieve their full potential.

- Miss Marshall and Miss Luzanskyte, Additional Support for Learning Faculty.