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Learning Support
Woodvale is an inclusive and proactive school for students with cognitive disabilities including dyslexia, ADHD, autism, hearing impairment, dysgraphia, processing disorders and intellectual disability (amongst others). Students with a range of diagnoses are case managed by our Learning Support Coordinator. Teachers can access expertise on implementing best practice strategies and teacher leaders can model effective adjustments within their contexts. Our College strives for each student to achieve their best.
Over the last few years Woodvale has engaged in a rigorous program of professional development to support our teachers in adapting learning activities to meet the needs of all Woodvale students. A strong focus for our College is differentiation of the curriculum and learning environment to support students with additional needs.
Supporting Students with a Disability – IEP requirements
Woodvale does everything it can to support students with disability. Where at all possible, students are provided with an Individual Education Plan that supports teachers to support students across all areas of learning. To do this we require some information:
- A copy of diagnosis paperwork and reports from a qualified external service provider. This report is required by SCSA. It tells us not just the diagnosis of your child but also the level of functional impact that their disability has on their learning and participation and how best to support them in the school. Without this, your child will receive support in the classroom through quality differentiated teaching practice (QDTP), but may not receive an IEP, or special conditions in NAPLAN, OLNA, or Exams. This paperwork needs to be based on the DSMV and issued by a specialist recognised within Western Australia.
- Letters from external service providers detailing the frequency and type of therapy a student is receiving.
- Annual reviews of how the student’s disability is impacting their ability to access the curriculum.
Education Assistant Support
Students with significant disability, such as Autism, Severe Mental Health Disorders, Intellectual Disability, and some physical disabilities may receive additional support from education assistants in the class room, where additional funding has been provided by Disability Resources and an EA is available.
Extra Supports
In addition to IEPs and EA support, students have access to our laptop program and assistive technologies including the Word Q program and C-pens for students with severe issues with reading and/or writing; our 1:1 Reading Support Program for our students who need extra assistance with reading (based on classroom and NAPLAN results); small classes for Essential students in years 8 – 10 for students who need extra academic support in Core subjects; and our new ‘Retreat’ room: a P&C funded space where students experiencing sensory or emotional overwhelm can go to de-escalate before re-engaging with the classroom.
If you think your child may have a cognitive disability, please consult your GP for a referral to a paediatrician.
