Additional learning support

At our college, we ensure every student is ready to learn. We support students with disability and additional learning needs so they can take part in all areas of school life. You do not need a formal diagnosis for your child to receive support in a mainstream class. Support can begin at any stage of school.

Support that fits your child's needs

Some students need extra support to feel confident and do their best at school. We work closely with families to make support plans and adjustments  that suits each child’s needs.

Additional learning support can include:

• teachers and support staff working together with families (and students, if needed)
• specialist support for students learning English as an additional language or dialect (EAL/D)

• providing tailored programs to help high potential and gifted students with their advanced learning needs

• small group tutoring to provide targeted literacy and numeracy support for students

• regular check-ins to review and update the planned supports

• changes to the classrooms:

  • accessible classrooms
  • assistive technology
  • instructional resources

• extra guidance, simpler content or different focus during lessons

• assessment adjustments:

  • more time
  • simpler language
  • breaks during tasks
  • different ways to complete a task (e.g. oral presentations instead of written tasks).

We know when a student needs help when:

• teachers notice changes in learning or behaviour
• reviewing assessment results and learning progress
• parents and carers raise concerns or ask for support.

Adjustments are planned with parents and carers. They are reviewed regularly and changed when needed.  If you think your child may need extra help, contact us.

Academic support

Our campus provides academic support for students in a variety of ways throughout their schooling.

Year 7 students are introduced to the peer academic leaders (PALS) programs. In this, they are mentored by Year 10 students in strategies such as time management, organisational skills and breaking down homework and assignment tasks to manageable components.

Years 8 to 10 at different times are supported by both our welfare team and explicit programs in building on the skills learned during earlier years to assist as their workload and the complexity of their work increases. This includes strategies specific to high potential and gifted students such as chunking SMART goals, conceptualisation, mapping of thoughts and processes and reflection and self-assessment skills needed to understand what they have done and how it can be improved.

In addition, we offer a homework club on Wednesdays 2.30pm - 3.30pm specifically for Years 7-10 students as a study/resource centre with academic support available from learning advisors.

Years 11 and 12 are again supported through time management and study skills programs specifically targeting the skills required to be successful at the HSC level and beyond. Each Year 12 student is offered a teacher mentor whom they can work with throughout the year either individually or in small groups and they can also request additional support from a learning advisor.

The student engagement team is based in the learning hub in the library where students can access advice, support and resources that can assist in becoming independent lifelong learners. They can also provide learning advisor appointments for identified students to help them develop effective time management and organisational strategies.

Learning and support team

Our learning and support team helps make sure every student gets the help they need at the right time. The team works with families, teachers and support staff to:

• understand each student’s needs
• plan adjustments and supports
• monitor progress
• connect with other services if needed.

Our learning and support team may include:

• learning and support teachers
• school learning support officers
• school counsellors
• school psychologists

• student support officers
• itinerant teachers for vision or hearing
• English as an additional language or dialect (EAL/D) teachers
• Aboriginal education officers
• community and home school liaison officers.

Have a question about learning support?

We’re here to talk through your options. Contact us to speak with the principal or learning and support team.

Contact us