Support Unit

Hearing Support

This Support Unit consists of three classes of deaf / hearing impaired students ranging from Years 7 to 12. This is a sign language unit, but we also have a number of students who have come from oral units. All the teachers and interpreters are fluent in sign language.

The unit offers several programs, ranging from mostly integrated courses, to Life Skills Courses. There is a Year 7 to 10 Life Skills Course, and a Year 11 to 12 Life Skills Course.

When students attend integrated classes, they go with an interpreter and they cover the same work and same courses as their integrated peers. Some students also choose to complete TAFE Courses.

Other pupils follow a full Life Skills Program which also involves Work Experience; either Work Crew which is supervised Work Experience by a teacher one day per week for 10 weeks or a Job Coach which allows students to complete a block of work experience (usually one week) or one day a week for a number of weeks. There are also TAFE Courses for Years 11 and 12.

Students complete a course that combines regular mainstream courses and Life Skills courses. Programs are designed to fit the individual needs of each student.

Every year each student has an ITP meeting (Individual Transition Program) to look at the students progress. The meeting is attended by the student, parent, teacher, counsellor, transition teacher and other relevant personnel (depending on which year the student is in). For example, someone from TAFE may attend Year 10 to 12 meetings. As a result of this meeting we can plan ahead and cater to the students needs. We are always available to talk to parents or answer questions.

Learning Support