St Agnes Catholic High School believes that a whole school approach to educating students provides an equitable education, since it emphasises that the responsibility of educating and caring for all children belongs to the whole school community.
A whole school approach to education also welcomes the integration of students with varying needs into the regular classroom through inclusive practices. Integrating students with varying needs therefore allows each member of the community to develop further their understanding and acceptance of the differences that makes each of us a unique but vital member of the community.
It is our belief at St Agnes that the future wellbeing of the community depends on the quality of the interactions of its members. We, as a whole, learn as much from students with special needs as they do from the rest of the community. These interactions benefit each member by leading to a deeper understanding, respect, and value of the uniqueness of each other.
Targeted Programs
Students requiring learning support vary from time-to-time. However, those targeted on the Learning Support program include students with quite significant needs, such as:
- language backgrounds other than English (LBOTE)
- new arrivals
- students with diagnosed cognitive, sensory, communication, physical, mental health or specific learning disabilities.
Learning Support at St Agnes is only one part of the whole school approach to integrating students with varying needs. Since this is the responsibility of the whole school community, one of the aims of the Learning Support Program is to ensure that strategies and programs developed support this approach.
Another aim is to assist classroom teachers to develop these programs in the context of the regular classroom, through utilising inclusive practises. However, our aim is for students in the Learning Support program to focus on developing their skills, confidence and self-esteem in areas of both academic and social life; so they can be as independent as possible when they leave St Agnes.
Involving Parents
We recognise that parents are the primary educators of their children. As such we aim to involve them as much as possible in all decisions relating to their children’s education. Communication with parents is vital to effectively cater for the individual needs of students in the program.
The Learning Support Team
The Learning Support team at St Agnes is a resource for the whole school and provides a holistic approach to the support of students with varying needs. We are guided by the particular needs of the students. Through individual planning with the student, parent, plan manager/learning support teachers and other professionals, we collaboratively identify a plan for students. The Learning Support team works across the curriculum with students with varying needs.
Come and see learning in action!
We’d love a chance to show you how learning works for young people in our school. Our dedicated teachers plan the learning in detail to help each child do his or her best.
