Class sizes are significantly larger than those in regular school settings, ranging from 30 to 34 students in a class. However, a full time teacher aide is employed to support each year level, along with Learning Enhancement aides that work with students from various grades throughout the college. Depending of each child’s independent learning plan, a Learning Enhancement aide can be used to support an individual child throughout the entire day. As there is no Special Education Program implemented within the college, the school does not withdraw students. All teachers undergo regular Personal Development training regarding adjustments and differentiation in order to support, cater and make reasonable adjustment for students on a daily basis and within the mainstream classroom. As stated on the college’s website, all teaching and learning programs are based on the Teaching for Understanding framework, as conceptualised in Project Zero as well as the Australian Curriculum. Teachers are required to make individual adjustments and modifications in order to cater for the academically talented ability of students as well accommodate and care for students with emotional and learning difficultly needs. Environmental and instructional adjustments are also made at a whole school level. All year levels stream students for English (reading and writing only) as well …show more content…
The Gold Coast City Council 2013 Census shows that the median income for the average family in this area is $2, 147 per fortnight (ABS, 2015). Many students do not have to travel a considerable distance to attend the college. Thus, children enrolled at this school are more likely to articulate a strong sense of their own personal belonging as well as develop stronger links between the college and the wider community (McArdlle, 2009). The socio-economic background of the students does vary, however, the majority of the students are from higher socio-economic situations. Many families have struggled over the years with the emotional stress and financial strain associated with raising a child with a disability, or a learning difficulty, and in many cases, social challenges. In the majority of cases, when the fit with this educational setting is right for the child both parents and children breathe a sigh of relief.
Outline of the Historical Context
The college was established in 1983, originally for primary aged students in Year 1-6. The goal at that time was to create active and informed citizens who desired to be life long learners before commencing their secondary education at an alternative setting. Many programs were implemented to help achieve this goal such as learn to read programs, Lego and robotics classes and intensive English lessons. These programs were