Additional learning support
At our school, 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.
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. Click on each of the menus below to see what 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
- extra guidance, simpler content or different focus during lessons
Changes to the classrooms may include:
- accessible spaces and classrooms
- assistive technology
- instructional resources
Ask our teachers or LAST team about assessment adjustments can be made:
- more time
- simpler language
- breaks during tasks
- different ways to complete a task (e.g. oral presentations instead of written tasks).
- teachers notice changes in learning or behaviour
- reviewing assessment results and learning progress
- parents and carers raise concerns or ask for support.
Wyndham College has a highly dedicated and proficient English as an additional language or dialect (EAL/D) teacher in the English faculty. Students, for whom English is not their first language, have access to a wide range of EAL/D teaching and learning strategies and programs. At Wyndham College, we encourage our EAL/D students to maintain their first language background.
Our EAL/D teachers designs a unique program for each student that is tailored to their specific English language needs. These programs are implemented in a variety of subjects and can occur in any of the following modes:
- individual student withdrawal
- team teaching
- whole class teaching by the EAL/D teacher
- individual student learning in the subject classroom.
The Inclusive Education Faculty at Wyndham College provides educational programs and specialist support to post-school transition for students with mild and moderate intellectual disabilities and Autism in Years 11 and 12.
Teachers in the Inclusive Education Faculty undertake additional training and are experienced teachers in the area of special education. Each class is allocated a Learning Support Officer to assist teachers in the implementation of both class and individual programs.
Inclusive Education students study courses from the Life Skills curriculum, which has been designed by the NSW Education Standards Authority (NESA) for students who are unable to access mainstream educational outcomes for a range of reasons. The Life Skills outcomes and content can be viewed on the NESA website - NESA | NSW Government. During their transition to Wyndham College, students and parents/carers choose electives which are suited to the interests of the students.
Through consultation between parents and staff, this pattern of study may be broadened to include subjects from the mainstream syllabus through a program of integration.
Students are supported to develop skills to participate in the workplace through completing Work and Community Studies and work experience. They may also undertake TAFE courses and shorter vocational programs designed to broaden choices and independence as they move toward post-school transition.
Students will have an Individual Transition Plan, planned in consultation with Dept of Education staff and parents/carers, to provide direction towards future work and education opportunities in the post-school years. Students are awarded an HSC at the end of Year 12 and can be linked to a Disability Employment Service.
At Wyndham College, students in the Inclusive Education classes participate in whole school activities with their mainstream peers, including Life Ready, the chance to join the SRC, school sports teams, school clubs, multicultural and other celebration events and music performances. Students are supported to consider their readiness and confidence in choosing which additional opportunities to access.
If you would like further information about the programs and opportunities offered by the Inclusive Education Faculty at Wyndham College, please contact us.
Courses
The following curriculum courses are taught within the Inclusive Education Faculty using the relevant Life Skills outcomes. Coursework is differentiated to address the specific needs and abilities of each student:
· English (compulsory)
· Work and Community Studies
· Mathematics
· Society and Culture
· Visual Arts
· Music
· Computing Studies
· Food Technology.
Vocational Education and Training Courses
These courses, known as Technical and Vocational Education Training (TVET) and school and vocational education training (SVET) are available to students in Year 11 and 12 and are completed as units of study for the HSC. Students attend a TAFE course run at school or local TAFE colleges. Examples of available courses include the following:
· Hospitality
· Construction
· Retail Services
· Hairdressing
· Warehousing
· Animal Care
· Horticulture.
Learning and support team (LAST)
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.
Contact us to meet with a member of this team to talk about your child’s strengths, interests and areas where they may need support.
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.
Wellbeing
See how we support every student’s wellbeing at school and beyond.
Our principal and staff
Get to know our principal and staff, who work together to create a positive school culture.