Students identified with a disability or significant learning needs are required to be enrolled through a supported enrolment process. This is to ensure that the school is best placed to meet the student’s needs. This process will also include a member of our Diverse Learning Team (DLT).
When teachers become aware of children with learning difficulties, they bring this to the attention of the Principal and the DLT. Appropriate referral forms are then completed. Appropriate intervention is provided in accordance with the school’s capacity to resource. Our DLT is comprised of the Leader of Diversity, two Diversity Teachers, School Counsellor, Leader of Engagement, Indigenous Liaison Officer and the School Leadership Team.
Early Intervention
The school recognises the importance of the early learning years. Research repeatedly indicates that the earlier learning difficulties are identified, the more effective intervention strategies are. Working in collaboration with consultants from Cairns Catholic Education, we aim to:
- offer whole school assessment programs to aid the identification of phonemic awareness, mathematical concepts and reading comprehension
- support phonological awareness, mathematical concepts, reading comprehension
- literacy development
- support delivery of speech/language programs, and
- support oral language development of students learning English as a second language.
Differentiation
Our Diversity Team works closely with class teachers to modify teaching and learning strategies to enable success for students in the classroom. This includes:
- programs targeted to student needs
- modifications to the student’s class program
- withdrawal programs for small groups of students with similar learning needs.
Access to Support
Students access support after a thorough process of assessment. This incorporates a combination of:
- school based assessments
- teacher referral
- specialist assessments i.e. speech/language pathologist, educational psychologist, occupational therapist
- specialist referral, and
- information from benchmark testing.
