Pathways
As students become teenagers, we start to see a change in the changes in body. Understanding these changes is one of the new areas of learning for students in Pathways (and their families). Students may become involved in theoretical Puberty sessions, or in more practical hands on sessions, depending upon their level of understanding.
As always, English programs (reading, writing, speaking and listening), combined with age appropriate songs, movement, drama and the visual arts are used to teach skills that are used in our day to day life. These skills may involve social skills, general hygiene, food preparation and sport and recreation. Maths programs may be integrated into the daily curriculum, or may be taught as a discrete area of study.
Many students in Pathways have attended the school over a number of years, and so we see an increase in independence when working in the classroom, as well as when moving around the school from building to building and program to program. Self confidence and valuing a wide range of personal interests are promoted in a caring and secure environment.
Selected students from Pathways are able to access the Duke of Edinburgh Program and undertake the Compass Award.
Transition to Life
At around 15 years of age, students move into the Transition to Life subschool. Students and their families look at developing skills that will be useful in their adult life. This may include daily living skills, recreation skills, work skills, and being part of the wider community. Some students undertake studies towards the Victorian Certificate of Applied Learning (VCAL), which may lead them to further education in the TAFE sector. Students have the opportunity to participate in the Interschool Sports program, while others continue to develop their interest and abilities in school based sports programs.
Reading and writing skills incorporating words that are commonly seen in the community, along with books coving a variety of topics of interest are used in the classroom. Technology is accessed through iPads and classroom computers. Some students participate in CyberSafety programs, teaching them some of the skills needed in order to use the internet safely.
Maths programs teach skills that can be used in everyday life. This may involve developing measuring skills in cooking programs, a growing awareness of money skills which can be practiced in the community or in the Coffee Shop and Canteen programs, continuing to learn about colors in the various arts based programs and the community, and relating concepts of size, shape and counting in all aspects of the curriculum.
Selected students from Transition-to-Life are able to access the Duke of Edinburgh Program and undertake the Bridge Award.