The Middle School Learning Areas provide personalised, flexible and motivating programs for adolescent students (Year 7-10) who require extensive support with all aspects of their learning.
Our Middle School curriculum is skill and context based and encourages active engagement in learning. The curriculum strives to be responsive to every learner, building on individual strengths and interests. Each student accesses a balance of stimulating contexts for learning through different experiences, themes and subjects in a communication rich environment.
The curriculum focuses on developing the key skills of communication, cognition, independence, physical education and self-care; all transferrable skills that equip young people for life beyond the school. The students learn how to navigate a range of technology including iPads, robotics and interactive electronic boards. hydrotherapy centre, a large kitchen garden
Our learning areas are safe, engaging and happy environments where students are valued, encouraged and acknowledged for their achievements. We focus on each student’s social and emotional well-being to support them with understanding and advocating for themselves, have healthy relationships with others and build resilience. We strive to support our students, with their families to become healthy, happy, productive and connected members of their community.
Our staff develop rich, authentic, learning experiences that understand, engage and celebrate strengths and interests of each student. Every student has an Individualised Education Plan which is a set of individual goals prepared in consultation with parents and therapists. We work closely with students to develop confidence and skills that will empower them, with their families to create a life they love.
Each Middle School learning area consists of up to six students, a special education teacher and four education assistants, who are trained to be communication and regulation partners for every student.
Programs are delivered and supported by a team of teachers, education assistants and a behaviour support officer who continuously improve their knowledge and practice through ongoing professional learning and collaboration with colleagues and therapists.
At Castlereagh we understand that connecting with parents makes the world of difference when it comes to each student’s learning. Communication between school and home is vital to ensure information is shared to ensure each student has a rewarding and positive day at school.
Our goal is to engage and support students, by providing structured learning opportunities within an optimal learning environment. This includes an organised physical environment with clearly defined wok spaces, clear expectations with a defined start and finish to activities, use of visual supports and schedules with a focus on students’ strengths and interests to promote positive, creative and independent young learners.