The support unit at Sir Joseph Banks High School caters for 74 students across five classes for students with mild to moderate intellectual disabilities. The unit is staffed with a head teacher special education and four special education teachers as well as five school learning support officers who all work together to deliver teaching and learning programs which cater for each student's individual needs.
Students in the support classes are first and foremost students of Sir Joseph Banks High School. All students at the school wear the same uniform, share the same playground areas and participate in all of the regular activities, carnivals and ceremonies of the school. Students in the support classes belong to a Year cohort in the same manner as all other students. Support class students attend whole year excursions and activities.
Support students benefit from a range of opportunities catering for the academic, social, emotional and physical development of each child. We also focus on developing independence for living after school. Students have the opportunity to participate in whole school programs, across school programs and community programs which all contribute to the development of the whole child.
Educational programs for students in the support classes are modified in accord with each child's particular needs. Early every year school staff, parents and professionals who work with the students, meet together to develop an Individualised Learning Plan for our junior students and an Individualised Transition Plan for senior students. These agreed plans form the basis of each child's annual program.
Our students are provided with integration opportunities in Stages 4, 5 and 6 in across faculty areas but especially in technological and applied studies, creative and performing arts, personal development, health and physical education. Additional integration opportunities are explored based on student need.
Students are supported to undertake TAFE programs and work experience in Stage 5 and 6 as part of their transition into life post school and staff work closely with parents/carers and providers to support students who are not yet ready for work by the time they leave school.