Learning and Teaching

St Joseph’s Catholic College provides a safe, caring and supportive environment in which each student is shaped by her relationship with Jesus in the Catholic tradition and is inspired by St Mary of the Cross MacKillop to make a difference in the world.

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Learning Support

At St Joseph’s Catholic College we practice an inclusive model of education for students with additional needs. We provide a range of modifications and adjustments to the mainstream curriculum to assist students with a disability and/or learning difficulty reach their full potential.

The learning support team consists of three full time teachers and three full time learning support assistants. Students can be referred to the learning support team by members of the teaching staff, parents/caregivers or health professionals. Where appropriate, learning support teachers may request formal assessments and/or external referrals to be made to determine the best form of support for students who are experiencing difficulties in the school context.

The learning support team promotes and practices a co-teaching model within an inclusive classroom setting, as well as offering in-class support from the learning support assistants where possible. When required, this support is extended to camps and excursions. The learning support team also offers additional support by providing the following:

  • Homework help – lunch time support offered to all students who may require additional time or assistance with classwork, homework or assessment tasks, across all key learning areas. Homework help is open every Monday, Wednesday and Friday in room 67.
  • Literacy groups – offered to students who have been identified as requiring additional literacy support. Literacy groups operates 2 – 3 periods per week.
  • Typing program – offered to students who required improvement in their keyboard skills.
  • Transition support – this program is run in conjunction with Youth Connections for students presenting with an intellectual disability. The program assists students’ practical life skill applications such as travel training, attaining a driver’s license and job applications.
  • Games room – offered to students who require an alternative lunchtime activity, away from the main yard of the college. Games room is held every lunch time in room 65.

Students with significant cognitive disabilities have the opportunity to participate in Life Skills courses (if deemed appropriate by the school, parent and student). Life Skills courses are offered for students across all stages and in all key learning areas.

Students in Years 7-11 may request disability provisions for examinations or in-class tasks if they are experiencing difficulties due to stress, anxiety or physical injury. This request is to be made to a member of the learning support department. Parents/caregivers and relevant members of staff are consulted before the approval of such provisions and documentation from relevant health care professionals may be required.

Students in Year 12 who experience significant difficulties around examinations (due to stress, anxiety or injury) may be eligible for disability provisions for the Higher School Certificate. Applications for these provisions are made to the Board of Studies, via the Disability Provisions Coordinator and close at the end of Term 1. However, emergency provisions can be made after this date. Documentation from relevant health professionals must be provided to support the application.

All students at St Joseph’s Catholic College are treated with respect and dignity and are encouraged to be active members of the school community. At St Joseph’s we provide a safe and quality learning environment where students are expected to achieve their personal best.