Support Unit

At Great Lakes College Forster Campus we have a large Support Unit which caters to a variety of students with additional needs.   We have seven Support Classes (1 IM, 2 AV,  2 ED, 1 MC and 1 Tutorial).  The classes can deliver all KLA's, both regular and Life Skills to students from Years 7 – 10 depending on each student's Personalised Learning and Support  Plan (PLASP). The Unit has approximately 11 teachers and 8 full time SLSO's (School Learning Support Officers).

 

The classes are identified by colours and are staffed with one qualified Special Education Teacher and one SLSO in each room.

 

The Blue Room (max 18 students) is a specialised classroom that provides students from Years 7-10, who have a mild intellectual disability, with:

• A modified curriculum based on NSW Board Of Studies (BOSTES) Life Skills syllabus outcomes.
• English, Mathematics, Science, HSIE, PDHPE and Art lessons (Life Skills).
• An individualised pattern of studies.
• An individual PLP which is developed and reviewed bi-annually.
• Social skills and anger management programs.
• Work readiness programs to Stage 5 students.

 

The Crimson Room (max 7 students) is a specialised classroom that provides students with:

• Mainstream curriculum (modified if required).
• Work readiness programs (includes resume writing, customer service, career pathways, work skills and setting up and serving in the classroom's café). 
• Social skills and anger management programs (includes training appropriate behaviour in various circumstances, building self-esteem, anti-bullying, anger management and dealing with depression).
• Support from outside agencies.

 

The Yellow, Aqua, Purple, Orange and Green Rooms (max 7 students) are specialised classrooms that provide students from Years 7-10, with:  

• A modified curriculum based on NSW Board Of Studies (BOSTES) Life Skills and mainstream syllabus outcomes.
• Individualised support for mental health issues.
• English, Mathematics, Science, HSIE, PDHPE lessons (Mainstream and/or Life Skills).
• An individualised pattern of studies.
• An individual PLP which is developed and reviewed bi-annually.
• Social skills and anger management programs.
• Work readiness programs to stage 5 students – if appropriate.
• Support from outside agencies.

 

A main focus of the Support Unit is developing respectful positive relationships between all students and staff.  The development of these relationships coupled with high expectations and explicit instruction all aim to support students to achieve their personal best and build on their strengths and capacities.

 

The Learning and Support Teacher oversees the program for students identified as requiring additional support in  mainstream classes. Additional supports offered at Great Lakes College Forster Campus are:

 

Students plans are monitored through fortnightly Learning and Support Meetings.