The establishment of a Support Unit in 1995 was an immense asset to the school enabling students with special needs to develop the strengths in a specifically modified environment. Students undertake core subjects in the unit and are integrated into mainstream classes for Design and Technology, electives and sport. Students will attain a ROSA or Higher School Certificate with Life Skills Components. Transitions to work programs provide opportunities to assist future employment and develop skills in the workplace.
In Years 7 to 12 students identified with special needs, undertake core subjects in the unit and are integrated into mainstream classes for Design and Technology, electives and sport. Many students have attained a ROSA or Higher School Certificate with the Life Skills Components.
Year 9/10 students are also involved in an Individual Transition to Work program. This program provides opportunities to assist future employment and to develop skills in the workplace. These students qualify for a Special Record of Achievement in their final year.
Disability, learning and support
Children with special learning needs refers to children with learning difficulties, a behaviour disorder and/or a disability. These children have diverse abilities and learning needs. Parents or caregivers are often the first to notice that their child's development is delayed or that their child is having problems at school.
The term disability includes children with an intellectual disability, physical disability, vision impairment, hearing impairment, language disorder, mental health conditions or autism.
Children with learning difficulties experience difficulties with learning in one or more areas of the curriculum. These difficulties may vary in cause, nature, intensity and duration.
If you have concerns about your child's development or progress at school, it is important to discuss your concerns with relevant professionals such as, in the first instance, the school principal, teacher or school counsellor. Your family doctor or your child's paediatrician may also be of assistance in this process. Interpreter services and Aboriginal education assistants are available to assist parents or caregivers to obtain relevant information and support where required.
Identification and assessment
Identification of a child with a disability or a learning difficulty can occur at any age or stage of the child's development.
Access to specialist resources is facilitated through the student's school. For some students with disabilities, the type and nature of the disability need to be initially assessed and confirmed using disability criteria (Ms word 40kB) through the school counselling service. For these students, a range of specialist services related directly to the needs of the student can be sought
If you believe your child has special learning needs that require additional assistance please contact the principal at your child's school. The principal will consider your child's needs in consultation with the school's Learning and Support Team.
The Learning and Support Team assists classroom teachers to address the educational needs of students with a disability, learning difficulty or behaviour disorder. Parents or caregivers have a vital role to play in the work of the Learning and Support Team through discussing and planning for their child's needs.
The following services are available in all public schools:
- students who experience difficulties in basic areas of learning and behaviour are supported through learning and support in their local school.
- the integration funding support program is a targeted support program for eligible school aged students with confirmed disabilities enrolled in a regular class and attending on a full time basis.
- itinerant support teachers provide support for students with hearing and/or vision impairment and their teachers.