Support unit

About our Support Unit

Our support classes focus on empowering every student to reach their full potential by fostering a safe, inclusive, and nurturing environment where diversity is celebrated, individual strengths are recognised, and learning pathways are tailored to support personal growth and achievement.

We support students with additional learning needs, including:

intellectual disabilities
autism spectrum disorder (ASD)
speech or language difficulties
physical disabilities
social, emotional and psychological needs

Students are placed in our Support Unit after an assessment to make sure they receive the right support. Students learn in small classes with individual support, specialist staff and adjusted learning programs.

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Our support classes

For students with mild to moderate disabilities or autism, we offer structured and consistent approaches that accommodate diverse learning styles. At our school, we have 3 support classes:

Mild Intellectual

A class supporting students with mild intellectual disabilities by providing personalised instruction and activities that foster their learning, independence, and confidence in a caring and inclusive setting.

Moderate Intellectual

A class supporting students with moderate intellectual disabilities by offering specialised teaching and resources that promote their development, communication, and everyday skills in a safe and supportive environment.

Autism Spectrum Disorder

A class supporting students with Autism Spectrum Disorder by offering a structured, responsive environment tailored to their unique needs, focusing on communication, social skills, and personalised learning to help them succeed.

How students access the curriculum

Students in the Support Unit access the curriculum through specially designed Life Skills programs that focus on practice-based, everyday abilities essential for their independence and well-being. These programs are tailored to each student’s individual needs and strengths, helping them develop communication, self-care, social interaction, and problem-solving skills. Students build confidence and competence that not only support their academic learning but also prepare them for real-life situations both in school and beyond. Many students in our support classes experience lessons and assessment in the mainstream setting in a range of subjects in consultation with key stakeholders.

English

The Life Skills English curriculum supports students with intellectual disabilities by focusing on practical communication and literacy skills. Key outcomes include understanding simple texts, using everyday language, and improving spoken communication to enhance independence and participation in daily life.

Mathematics

The Life Skills Mathematics curriculum focuses on practical numeracy skills for students with intellectual disabilities. Key outcomes include applying basic number concepts, handling money, reading time, and using maths for daily tasks to support independence and everyday decision-making.

Science

The Life Skills Science curriculum helps students with intellectual disabilities develop basic scientific understanding. Key outcomes include exploring the natural environment, recognising everyday materials and their properties, and using observation skills to engage with the world around them.

PDHPE

The Life Skills PDHPE curriculum supports students with intellectual disabilities in developing personal health and movement skills. Key outcomes include understanding personal safety, practicing healthy habits, and improving basic motor skills to promote wellbeing and active participation.

Technology

The Life Skills Technology Mandatory curriculum supports students with intellectual disabilities in developing practical digital skills. Key outcomes include using basic technology tools, understanding simple digital concepts, and applying technology safely to support daily tasks and communication.

Creative Arts

The Life Skills Creative Arts curriculum supports students with intellectual disabilities in exploring music, visual arts, and dance. Key outcomes include expressing creativity through sensory experiences, developing basic skills in each art form, and enhancing social interaction and self-expression.

HSIE

The Life Skills HSIE curriculum helps students with Intellectual disabilities develop understanding of their community and environment. Key outcomes include recognising familiar places and people, learning about personal and family history, and exploring basic concepts of culture and safety to support everyday life skills.

Specialist subjects

As students progress through the Life Skills curriculum, other specialist subjects may be available to students who demonstrate potential or ability in particular key learning areas. These subjects include: Baking, Entertainment, Retail and more.

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Learning plans

Learning plans support the development of essential social, communication, and life skills, enabling students to participate fully in school life to achieve their individual potential.

Individual Education Plan

Individual Education Plans (IEPs) in Support Snits are designed to tailor learning goals and teaching strategies to meet the unique needs of each student, ensuring personalised support and targeted skill development.

Individual Transition Plan

Individual Transition Plans (ITPs) for secondary students in a Support Unit provide personalised support to help them smoothly progress through school and prepare for a successful transition to post-school options.

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Purpose

Each student has learning plans to help them:

build literacy, numeracy and communication skills
develop social skills and positive friendships
grow independence and confidence
learn to manage emotions and behaviour
connect students with external agencies and providers
set goals for post-school options.

Benefits

Learning plans support students with:

regular assessment, support and review cycles
visibility of student strengths and areas for improvement
improved student engagement
enhanced learning outcomes
clearer communication among educators, students, and families
clear transition pathways through and beyond the school.

The learning plans are led by our Support Unit Team in collaboration with key stakeholders in learning and involves:

Gathering information

Understanding student needs

Co-developing learning goals

Designing collaborative strategies

Implementing support

Assessing for adjustment

Reviewing achievement

How students access our Support Unit

Enrolment in our Support Unit follows an access request process. This process helps us understand each student’s needs and provide the right support.

Visit our enrolments page to find out more.

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How we work with families and specialists

We work closely with families and specialists to support every student. Our teachers stay in touch with parents and carers to share progress and plan next steps. We also work with therapists, counsellors and health professionals so students get the same support across school and home. Community connections allow our students to engage in work experience, community access, cross-school events, and the local community.

Highlights

Our Support Unit has a strong tradition of opportunities which form part of their annual learning and wellbeing scope and sequence. These highlights provide students in our support classes the space to celebrate and showcase their learning, unite stakeholders in visible and inclusive practices, and provide experiences of joy across our school community.