At St Pius X, our team provides support for students with disabilities, learning difficulties and mental health/wellbeing needs. Learning support staff work closely with families, the school psychologist, the House Coordinators, classroom teachers and external specialists to determine student goals and appropriate support aimed at maximising individual learning potential.
Curriculum support offers students from all years, especially those in Year 7 and 8, the opportunity of one lesson per week (52 minutes) to work in a small group to gain assistance with immediate issues such as completing classwork, homework, assessment task planning and preparation or developing more advanced study skills. Along with curriculum support, classroom teachers can book students into the UPOD who require extra assistance with classwork, preparation for exams, study techniques and completion of assessment tasks. Students can also use this location for ‘time-out’ based on their needs (anxiety, sensory, sensitivity etc.) which is planned and implemented by all stakeholders.
Disability provisions are granted to students who have disability needs with practical support in the ROSA and Higher School Certificate examinations. Students’ disability needs may include learning, medical, vision or hearing difficulties. Examples of provisions include braille or large print papers, use of reader and/or writer, use of an interpreter, extension of time, rest breaks, use of a computer and separate exam supervision (NESA, 2017). Eligible students may be provided with provisions for in-class assessment tasks, half-yearly and yearly exams. This process is conducted in collaboration with a classroom teacher, subject coordinator and Learning Support Department, with the support of evidence. Evidence may include medical reports, reading results, spelling results, writing samples and teacher comments.
In-class support may be provided to students through one-on-one instruction and support from either a Learning Support Teacher (LST) or a Learning Support Assistant (LSA), dependant on the individual needs of the student. All additional supports are offered after consultation with parents/carers, teachers and the student.
From 2017, the Learning Support Faculty will be offering the MacqLit Reading Program for selected students (Macquarie University Literacy Program). The aim of MacqLit is to identify and support those students, who after several years of schooling, have fallen substantially behind their cohort, specifically in the area of the mechanics of learning to read.
Students have the opportunity to undertake partial or full Life Skills Programs during Year 7 to 10. The four core subjects of Mathematics, English, Science and HSIE are taught by a specialist Learning Student Teacher in a discreet setting. At St Pius X High School, we advocate for inclusivity and hence offer Life Skills courses in PDHPE, Religious Education, Music, Visual Arts, Technology and Stage 5 electives in mainstream classes supervised by the classroom teacher. Composition of student courses are based on the needs of the student and are in consultation with all stakeholders.
Lunch Club is an alternative lunch area supervised by a Learning Support Teacher who promotes positive social interaction and inclusion of all students. Students can spend the time talking, reading and playing games within the comfort of the UPOD (small area, contemporarily furnished and relaxed atmosphere). Lunch Club is open Monday to Thursday for all of lunch.
Year 6 to 7 transition is a collaborative process where we work closely with primary schools and other stakeholders to ensure student needs are addressed and their induction to high school is a positive experience.
Year 10 to Year 11 or post-school options students are given additional opportunities to participate in work experience guided by the Careers Advisor. This is combined with a work ready program/resume building and communication skills program.
We value and accommodate student support provided by specialists who work with children as part of the child’s NDIS support package. In consultation with parents/carers, we timetable specialist intervention and provide a discrete location.
School Contact: 02 4957 1032
Learning Support Coordinator: Ms Susan Price
Direct number: 02 4013 2636
F | 02 4957 5088
E | susan.price@mn.catholic.edu.au
