Additional learning support

At our school, we ensure every student is ready to learn. We support students with disability and additional learning needs so they can take part in all areas of school life. You do not need a formal diagnosis for your child to receive support in a mainstream class. Support can begin at any stage of school.

Support that fits your child's needs

Some students need extra support to feel confident and do their best at school. We work closely with families to make support plans and adjustments  that suits each child’s needs.

Additional learning support can include:

• teachers and support staff working together with families (and students, if needed)
• specialist support for students learning English as an additional language or dialect (EAL/D)

• providing tailored programs to help high potential and gifted students with their advanced learning needs

• small group tutoring to provide targeted literacy and numeracy support for students

• regular check-ins to review and update the planned supports

• changes to the classrooms:

  • accessible classrooms
  • assistive technology
  • instructional resources

• extra guidance, simpler content or different focus during lessons

• assessment adjustments:

  • more time
  • simpler language
  • breaks during tasks
  • different ways to complete a task (e.g. oral presentations instead of written tasks).

We know when a student needs help when:

• teachers notice changes in learning or behaviour
• reviewing assessment results and learning progress
• parents and carers raise concerns or ask for support.

Adjustments are planned with parents and carers. They are reviewed regularly and changed when needed.  If you think your child may need extra help, contact us.

Learning and support team

At South Grafton High School our learning and support team plays a key role in ensuring that the specific needs of students with disability are met.

The team:

• supports teachers in identifying and responding to the additional learning needs of students
• facilitates and coordinates a whole school approach to improving the learning outcomes of every student
• coordinates planning processes and resourcing for students with disability and additional learning and support needs
• designs and implements the supports required to build teacher capacity so that all students access quality learning
• develops collaborative partnerships with the school, parents and carers, other professionals and the wider school community.

Every school has a learning and support team. The composition of teams may vary as they are made up of members according to the needs of the school and community in which they work.

Learning and Support Teacher

The learning and support teacher provides direct and timely specialist assistance to students in mainstream classes with disability and their teachers. Their work emphasises:

• the needs of individual students
• school priorities, and
• evidence-based programs to assist students with additional learning and support needs.

Learning and support teachers use a collaborative and consultative approach so that students themselves and their parents and carers are actively involved in decision-making.

Student Support Officer

Student Support Officers (SSOs) work within the school community to enhance the learning and wellbeing outcomes of students, in partnership with the wellbeing team and the School Counselling Service. SSOs also play a pivotal role in working collaboratively with external agencies and creating referral pathways for students and families to youth and family support agencies.

School Chaplain

The School Chaplain offers pastoral care to student to support their wellbeing.

Contact us to meet with a member of this team to talk about your child’s strengths, interests and areas where they may need support.

Have a question about learning support?

We’re here to talk through your options. Contact us to speak with the principal or learning and support team.

Contact us