Education Support Mary Rice Centre
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ducation support at Trinity aims at enhancing the learning outcomes for all boys. Every boy at Trinity belongs to the Trinity community. Our approach to support for boys with disabilities aims to match this in practice.
We take a person centred, individualised approach to each boy’s needs. We use a variety of support options because this reflects the diversity of students, their needs and our population. Trinity boys who meet government criteria for disability including physical, sensory, (such as hearing or vision difficulties) intellectual, social/emotional or communication disabilities receive support in a variety of ways through our coordinated program. Mrs Susan Prior Coordinator of Education Support
Teacher support through professional development, education assistant time, teaching resources, consultancy advice and most importantly a team approach improves the learning for all students. Individual education plans are one aspect of this team approach within the social context of our secondary school. This means that we provide a continuum of support from one to one teaching, small group tuition through to advisory and advocacy support. Some students may manage the full school program with little extra support required except for some modifications to text or simply advocacy support. We also encourage good selfesteem through self-acceptance and self-awareness. Individual needs and strengths are considered as we aim to build a community of learners to support each other through class activities, Christian Service and recreation as part of a whole school community. As we are part of a wider community, some boys choose to visit other schools for sport, recreation and social education to make contact with others who experience similar challenges. Infusion of education support into the post compulsory years at Trinity expanded in 2003 with the employment of a full
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time education support teacher. Boys in Year Eleven and Twelve who require individualised education plans now have a specialist coordinator working with other Trinity teachers to develop greater opportunities for individual students to achieve important educational outcomes. Structured work placements this year have included Bunnings, Jesters, Sizzlers, administration, canteen, childcare and furniture making. We take students’ individual strengths and abilities into account in matching employers with students for maximum success. Trinity’s INSTEP program supports boys with individual needs. In 2004, we will develop alternative pathways for achievement and certification for Trinity students. We are planning a specialised horticultural business enterprise incorporating school based course options. A team of Trinity teachers will be involved in this venture that promises to be innovative and rewarding.
Sue Prior Co-ordinator of Education Support
