2012 School Visits

 

 

On Thursday, 20th September, delegates will have the opportunity to visit a range of schools who showcase best practice in Special Education.

 

The Department of Education WA is committed to providing high quality education opportunities that extend and challenge students to achieve the highest possible standards and their personal best - "whatever their ability, wherever they live, whatever their background".
Excellence and Equity: Strategic Plan for WA Public Schools 2012–2015

 

A range of educational options and support services in WA ensure that students with Special Educational Needs (SEN) are educated in supportive, student centred school environments. Day 4 of the 2012 Australasian Special Education Conference will provide a tour of educational settings that reflect the diversity of educational options and meet the learning requirements for students with Special Educational Needs in WA.

 

Listed below are the facilities included in the tour.

 

Mirrabooka Education Support Centre

 

Mirrabooka Education Support Centre is a multicultural secondary school that caters for students with disabilities from Years 8 - 13. The Centre is located on the same site as Mirrabooka Senior High School and together they have developed a positive supportive relationship focused on supporting students and families.

The school community is drawn from a wide range of locations, socio-economic groups, cultural groups and family structures. Student interests and abilities are diverse. These factors are taken into consideration in the design and delivery of specialised programs.

The tour of this facility will include discussion and observation of the following educational frameworks, programs and strategies: ASDAN, the Preliminary (P) stage units of the WA Courses of Study and Certificate 1 courses. Complimentary programs including Bushranger Cadets, ‘Personal Safety’ initiative, Rock and Water, Sustainability, Work Programs, the ‘Big Plan’ and Transition Pathways will also be highlighted during this tour.

 

Gladys Newton School

 

Gladys Newton School caters for students aged 4 -18 years who have intellectual and severe/multiple disabilities. The school was established as Balga Special School in 1971. It was purpose built for students with moderate to mild intellectual disabilities but has been progressively upgraded and renewed to cater for the current student population.

The schools facilities include a swimming pool and change rooms, a purpose-built ablution block, Health Centre, specialised Play Grounds and Therapy Room.

 

Delegates will be introduced to the schools programs and strategies including Community Access, Early Intervention, Satellite Classrooms, Hydrotherapy, Perceptual Motor Programs, Multi Sensory Program, Fitness Programs (Health Club and Bike Riding) and Gardening Programs. Transition to Work and Alternatives to Employment Programs will also be featured during this visit.

 

Landsdale Farm School

Landsdale Farm School is a Department of Education School. It is a unique model demonstration farm, about 18 Km north of the Perth CBD, which offers a broad range of farm related educational activities for students of all ages who have special educational needs. It aims to provide an educational rural environment that supports extensive opportunities for experiential learning in curriculum and cross-curriculum areas.   

During their visit delegates will encounter a variety of farm related activities and experiences aligned with content descriptions and achievement targets across the curriculum. These are supported by a comprehensive set of resources specifically designed for teachers. The farming experience provides SEN students with a rich, extensive and inclusive learning environment. They undertake meaningful, authentic learning in an educational atmosphere that is stimulating and challenging.  

Alternative Visits

 

The schools chosen for the Day 4 tour demonstrate high quality educational programs for SEN students in WA. However, should a delegate have a specific request(s) in regards to SEN schools, programs and services we will endeavour to organise an alternative arrangement.

 

 

Hosted By

 

 

 

 

 

 

Conference Convenors