Inclusive Education

We are committed to promoting the inclusion of students with disabilities and learning difficulties in the mainstream education system.

The changing educational environment driven by the SACE and the Australian Curriculum, means that students with individual learning needs must be supported to ensure inclusion and educational success.

At Mary MacKillop College all teaching and non-teaching staff are advocates for equality and inclusion for those students who experience difficulties in the educational and social sphere.

We provide specialised education curriculum programs for students with diagnosed intellectual disabilities and learning difficulties. All students with special needs are educated within the mainstream class and are provided with additional support and accommodations within the classroom and when necessary, in the Learning Centre for some lessons.

The curriculum, teaching strategies, assessment procedures and timetable structures are adapted to cater for the individual needs of all students. Our Inclusive Education Co-ordinator organises support for students who have difficulties in small groups, assists teachers in implementing classroom accommodations, individualising the curriculum, supports teachers with  assessment and reporting and so on.

The Inclusive Education Support staff consists of a Coordinator and an Educational Support Officer (ESO). The Inclusive Education Co-ordinator liaises with the Principal, Director of Curriculum, Middle and Senior School Directors, School Counsellors , Teaching Staff, Catholic Education Office advisors and other outside agencies. 

To speak further about Inclusive Education with the College, please speak with Anna Mirasgentis, Director of Curriculum.

The Learning Centre

The Learning Centre at Mary MacKillop is a learning environment where students are supported in further developing their skills and knowledge. There are a range of current resources that are available for student and staff use.

The Learning centre mainly accommodates for students with a diagnosed learning disability or difficulty, who are funded through the Commonwealth Government. Although when appropriate, support is available to any student with learning difficulties.

The Learning Assistance Program (LAP)

To be implemented at Mary MacKillop College during Semester 2 of 2012

Some young people are challenged by their inability to express themselves, or they hide their feelings behind a shield of self-doubt. Some have a feeling of isolation, some a sense of being behind the other students, while others are more able than the rest of their peers. These barriers can be very real and young people often need extra personal or academic support, as well as the opportunity to spend time in a caring atmosphere with someone they can trust.
The Learning Assistance Program (LAP) provides the safe and well-structured framework that enables this to happen. The Learning Assistance Program is a student-centered program providing individual support for students through the positive participation of volunteers. Volunteers, in partnership with teaching staff, work with students on a one-to-one basis for one or two regular sessions each week.

 LAP:

  • is always one-to-one
  • is about relationships
  • develops confidence and self-esteem
  • takes a creative approach to learning
  • promotes parent and community participation in the school. 
Students at all levels of schooling and of all ages will benefit from individual time with a caring volunteer. Students may be involved in a wide range of activities and all individual program are planned in consultation with teaching staff.

Students involved will benefit by:

  • having a mentor - someone other than a teacher or parent to support them academically and personally
  • receiving help and encouragement with class work
  • developing an interest or talent that they have
  • developing confidence and having direction
  • overcoming difficulties with learning
  • having someone to listen and to show they care.
Volunteers may be a parent, grandparent, senior student, old scholar or interested community member. Volunteers can become a friend and mentor for the student and participate and share in the challenge and excitement of a student’s learning. They have the opportunity to communicate a sense of value, friendship and personal worth to help their student feel special.
Year 12 students operate in the same way as adult volunteers. They commit one of their free study periods each week to the child in their care. These senior students are wonderful role models and mentors for the younger students in the school.
< back