The Role of the Support Unit The Support Unit is an integral part of Warilla High School. It consists of five classes and is staffed with a number of Specialist Teachers and Support Learning Officers who are skilled at delivering specific education programs to students who may have a Mild or Moderate learning disability, Autism/Aspergers or a Mental Health diagnosis (emotional disability).

Individualised Learning Programs The Support Unit delivers a NSW Board of Studies endorsed Life Skills curriculum across a number of its classes which enables teaching staff to target specific outcomes linked to identified targets in Individual Educational Plans.

IEP development and review The IEPs are developed using a team approach, ensuring input from parents, carers, outside agencies where relevant, teaching staff and the student. The IEPs are reviewed each year to monitor progress in relation to identified targets.

Developing Life Skills The senior class learnt to sew on buttons and use a sewing machine to make a cushion cover

Student Progress Parents and carers receive a comprehensive report twice a year that enables them to track the progress and strengths of their child and identify areas for further development. The reporting process is linked to Individual Education Plans developed for each student. Parents and carers are also encouraged to make regular contact with their child’s teacher and become an integral part of the educational process.

Course Outline The Life Skills curriculum is delivered in 3 stages. Stage 4 and 5 covers from Years 7 to 10 Stage 6 encompasses Years 11 and 12.

Stage 4 and 5 A minimum of 8 subjects are undertaken in Years 7 to 10. These include English, Maths, Science, HSIE, LOTE, PDHPE, Visual Arts and Technology and Design. English and Maths are considered core subjects and are taught by the Support Unit teaching staff. Other Key Learning Areas are taught by Specialist Teachers in other faculties.

In the Science Lab Students have the opportunity to be taught by mainstream teachers and access mainstream facilities

Dissecting an eye !

Access to Mainstream subjects Students in Years 8, 9 and 10 are also given the opportunity to access mainstream electives. If a student displays a talent or gift in a particular mainstream Key Learning Area they are encouraged to participate in it with their mainstream peers.

Stage 6 In stage 6 students undertake a Life Skills HSC pattern of study, nominating a minimum of 5 subjects with each subject worth 2 units. The choices are broad and include English, Maths, Citizenship and Society, Creative Arts and Work and the Community.

Access to HSC options Opportunity to access mainstream subjects as part of their HSC also exists. Added to this, students are provided with the opportunity to access S- VET and T-VET courses as part of their HSC.

TAFE Taster Day Robert has the chance to show his bricklaying skills at Wollongong TAFE

Work Experience Work experience forms a key link between Stage 5 and 6 of the Life Skills curriculum. Our students are encouraged to participate in this valuable program which enables them to acquire vocational competencies and opportunities that will support them in a post school environment. The Support Unit has an excellent relationship with local businesses ensuring our students are given wide ranging opportunities.

Social and Emotional Development A major emphasis of the Support Unit is to provide our students with opportunities that promote social and emotional growth, enabling them to value their contribution to the wider school and broader community.

Involvement in Extra Curricular Activities Social and Emotional growth is encouraged through participation in all school extra curricula activities such as sporting teams, excursions with mainstream peers, representation on the SRC and leadership opportunities within the school and local community.

Climbing to Success Liam enjoys a day out at Hang Dog as part of Skills Week

Social Skills Teaching staff within the Support Unit have embedded a Social Skills curriculum within their programs, ensuring that students acquire the competencies to interact successfully in the broader society.

Learning can be fun ! The Senior Class enjoy a social outing planned and organised as part of their Community Access Program

Contacts If you have any questions or would like additional information in relation to the Warilla High School Support Unit, please don’t hesitate to contact the school

Our Achievements Warilla High School Support Unit Teaching Recognition 2008 ISER award for excellence in Special Education 2011 ISER award for excellence in Education 2011 Australian College Of Educators-Outstanding Achievement in Education

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