At The Cathedral College we recognise and celebrate the unique gifts of all students. We understand that some students learn in different ways and some need extra assistant to help them achieve their goals.
Many students struggle to achieve success in a high school setting for a variety of reasons. Sometimes these reasons are easy to identify and solutions are simple. More often, however, a student's difficulties may result from a complex range of factors. Our Curriculum Support Staff are dedicated to ensuring students who experience difficulties at school are supported and investigations are undergone to determine the underlying factors.
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Our team of Case Workers in our Curriculum Support Centre work closely with the teachers, parents and students to identify causes of learning difficulties and develop strategies to promote student success. We also aim to work pro-actively to ensure optimum learning environments and strategies are in place for existing and incoming students. Our staff attend professional development opportunities on a regular basis and consult with outside agencies to ensure they have up-to-date skills and knowledge to best advocate for and support our students.
Our Curriculum Support Team
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Assessment + ReferralAs a College, we gather information about our students from a variety of sources including report cards, meetings with parents and staff and discussions with the students. This information is reviewed and then support strategies are developed. Throughout this process, we may conduct diagnostic testing of individuals or groups to assess specific skills (e.g. literacy, numeracy) or conduct general diagnostic interviews to determine the nature of problems at school. If necessary, and in consultation with parents, we may refer a student to our College's Student Support Officers or an outside agency or specialist for further evaluation and testing.
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Modification of Existing Resources, Assignments + TestsOur Curriculum Support Team will work with teachers to modify existing resources, assignments and/or tests to meet the educational level of our students with learning difficulties. We also help with ongoing lesson/unit planning to help our teachers cater for the learning needs of all students in their classrooms.
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Research + Development of Resources, Assignments + TestsOur Curriculum Support Team will research and help to develop new materials to support students with learning difficulties.
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Examination + Assignment SupportSome students with specific difficulties may require examination and assignment support to help them succeed. These students attend the College's Curriculum Support Centre and work closely with our support staff to develop their assignment and research skills. Examination support may also be provided and our teacher assistants can help our students understand the examination questions and we may scribe answers if necessary.
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In-Class SupportOur Teacher Assistants work with our teachers to support our verified students and those with learning difficulties in may of their classes.
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Transition SupportWe understand that the transition to high school can be extremely difficult for some and our Curriculum Support Team are closely involved in the transition of Year 6 students into the College for this reason. We work proactively to ensure all incoming students have any special needs identified and addressed so they can feel supported.
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Verification + Individual Education PlansStudents with high-level physical, cognitive or emotional issues affecting their learning are generally identified at a primary school level and 'verified' according to the Educational Adjustment Program (EAP) process. However, some students can be identified at a secondary level. These students receive additional funding and support, including an Individual Education Plan (IEP). This plan identifies learning/behavioural goals for that student. Our Curriculum Support Staff act as Case Managers for verified students and meet with their parents, teachers and teacher assistants to review students' progress towards IEP goals.
Our Curriculum Support Centre Staff work with our students to provide the following services:
We encourage parents to contact us at any stage prior to, during and after enrolment to discuss any concerns they may have about their child's success at secondary school.