Philosophy

Learning Support is provided as a service for students from Preschool to Yr 12 with an emphasis on early intervention. The goal of the Learning Support Department is to provide students with learning differences the academic, social and emotional support they require to reach their full potential.

Teachers across the School are responsible for supporting students with a wide range of abilities and needs within their classrooms, with assistance from the Learning Support Department. The Learning Support Department provides a wide range of support services including assessment, academic support, assisting classroom teachers in modifying instructional strategies and content, and withdrawal of students for intervention within a group or individually.

Admission to the support program is contingent upon a match between the student’s needs and the level of services available. AISS is unable to offer a full continuum of special education programs and for that reason, applicants will be assessed on a case-by- case basis to determine if learning support is required. Positions for students requiring learning support are limited. Capacity to fully access the mainstream curriculum will be a prime consideration.

There are some students for whom AISS is not able to provide a support program. Support is not available for students with intellectual disabilities, physical handicaps or pronounced social, emotional or behavioural difficulties. Students with learning differences must be able to function within a regular classroom given the available support services.

Staffing

The Learning Support unit includes;

• 4.3 full time teachers across Preschool, Primary and Secondary.
• 1 Teacher Assistant supporting students in numeracy
• 1 Teacher Assistant supporting students in literacy
• 2 full time Student Counsellors for Preschool, Primary and Secondary

Screening and Testing

In consultation with classroom teachers, and after parental approval, students are assessed by the Learning Support Department. Further consultation by the School Counsellor or outside professionals may be recommended.

Learning Support staff liaise with outside agencies who provide therapy for students e.g. Speech Therapy, Occupational Therapy, Educational Counselling, Psychologists, Psychiatrists, and Paediatricians..

Literacy Support

Students within the School who have been identified as needing extra support with literacy, will have their learning needs addressed through individualised programs, cooperative teaching within the classroom or in intensive small groups.

In the Secondary School, eligible students may be granted extra time, have papers printed on coloured paper, have permission to use a computer or be granted a writer or reader during examinations. This support is given internally and typically involves individual examination supervision.

Applications for the above Special Provisions in the School Certificate and Higher School Certificate, are coordinated by the Deputy Principal Curriculum who liaises with Learning Support staff and the Board of Studies NSW on behalf of each student.

Numeracy Support

Learning Support is provided in Mathematics by a Learning Support specialist mathematics teacher. This teacher supports students from Years 5 - 8 in selected classrooms in consultation with the class teacher. In the Primary School numeracy support is delivered in cooperation with the classroom teacher or in intensive small groups.