St Columba’s Catholic College is an inclusive College committed to the ongoing quality education of all students. All staff and community members accept shared responsibility for this.
St Columba’s Catholic College promotes a community that respects the differences and dignity of all its students, maximising their educational and social outcomes. The most effective way for most students to learn is in the context of a mainstream setting with appropriate supports such as curriculum differentiation, environmental access and support from teacher assistants. Curriculum, pedagogy and assessment reflect the policy and practices of inclusion for all students.
Students with diverse needs and their parents are consulted regarding the form of education best suited to their needs and aspirations. This is formally done in a Personalised Plan meeting where the emphasis is on collaboration and cooperation between families and the College to provide the optimum educational environment. All staff are supported in developing the skills and knowledge to meet the needs of all students in their care. Staff will be consulted at all relevant times to contribute to Personalised Plans and are provided with all pertinent information.
Support for students at the College is provided in the following key areas.
Personalised Plans
Personalised plans are created and implemented for any student who requires adjustments in the areas of curriculum, communication, mobility, personal care, transition, safety and social skills. This is in accordance with the Disability Discrimination Act 1992 and the processes undertaken in the Disability Standards for Education 2005. Stakeholders such as students, parents and teachers collaborate and decisions are made to create the Personalised Plan regarding adjustments and goals for the student.
Life Skills
Life skills are a curriculum option for students with learning difficulties. Life Skills is for students who cannot access the regular outcomes and content with adjustments and/or disability provisions and is predominantly for students with an intellectual disability. Life Skills may provide a more relevant, accessible and meaningful option for some students with substantial learning difficulties. Transition to a Life Skills course of study is a collaborative process and is actioned through the Personalised Planning.
Disability Provisions (Years 10, 11 and 12)
Disability provisions are granted to provide students who have special examination needs with practical support in the ROSA, Preliminary and HSC tasks. Students' special examination needs may include learning, medical, vision or hearing difficulties.
Year 6 to Year 7 Transition
To ensure a smooth transition from Year 6 to Year 7, Learning Support gather information from primary schools, hold parent meetings prior to the commencement of Year 7 and facilitate an additional transition day known as Step Up.