About the faculty
The support unit at Strathfield South High School has been an integral part of the school for over forty years. Our school has 4 classes that support students with hearing impairment and 5 classes supporting students on the autism spectrum. These classes are staffed by teachers trained in special education and are supported by School Learning Support Officers (SLSOs).
Across all of our classes we try to provide the least restrictive environment for students and allow for as much integration as possible. Each year students, teachers, parents, carers and other key stakeholders meet to discuss progress and goals at the personalised learning and support plan meeting. This is a great opportunity to collaborate on individualised goals and other key factors related to student learning and wellbeing.
Students accessing the support classes are able to apply for transport to school through the Assisted School Travel Program.
Hearing support classes
Hearing support classes are capped at 9 students and complete mathematics, English, science and HSIE (human society and its environment) in small discrete classes in our school’s support unit. This unit contains smaller sound proof classrooms which are equipped with Soundfield Systems for optimal hearing conditions free from ambient noise and distractions. Students are integrated with mainstream classes for Personal development, health and physical education, creative and performing arts (COPA) and technology and applied sciences (TAS). In Years 11 and 12 integration is increased and students complete most subjects in mainstream classes with SLSO support.
Students in the hearing support classes access all parts of the school and are involved in all aspects of school life. There is participation in all school excursions, school events, sports carnivals and programs. We have student representation on the student representative council (SRC) and there have been members of the support unit who have served as school prefects.
Autism support classes
Autism support classes are capped at 7 students and complete all of their subjects in small discrete classes. Subjects studied in these classes include; mathematics, English, science, geography, history, music, visual arts, technology and applied sciences, languages other than English, and personal development, health and physical education. Students have the opportunity for integration which is discussed at regular Personalised Learning and Support Plan meetings. For students with sensory issues or for those who require a quieter space during recess and lunchtime, a separate playground area is available.
Applications for support class placement
Applications for support class placements are through the access request process. An access request is usually arranged by the school learning and support team at the local public school, but can also be organised through the local educational services team if a child is not yet enrolled.
A student is offered enrolment in a specialist support class in regular school through a placement panel process. A student's eligibility is determined through the department's disability criteria as well as the availability of a place in an appropriate specialist support class.
Read further information about specialist support classes in regular schools.
If you have any questions about the support classes please do hesitate to contact the school.
