Inclusive Education
Philosophy
Merici College believes that all students can learn and acknowledges different learning styles. We encourage students to take responsibility for their own learning and we attempt to develop enthusiasm, enjoyment and love of learning.
We recognise that within the College community there will be some students with special learning needs, who will need extra support to enable them to achieve to the best of their ability. ESP (Educational Success Program) is a multi-faceted approach to supporting students with their learning.
The Learning Support Team at Merici offers support to students with sensory, physical or intellectual disabilities. These fall into the following categories:
Students with disability
Students with a disability: as identified by the Catholic Education Office (as required by the Australian Government definition) are offered:
These students are offered:
- Individual learning plans
- Appropriately modified content
- Appropriate teacher and/or classroom support using Learning Support Teacher Assistants
Students with identified learning difficulties
Difficulties may have been identified through:
Entry testing, information from parents and teachers, NAPLAN results. Support is offered to these students through a range of the following:
- Differentiated curriculum
- Peer tutoring programs
- Classroom support through Learning Support Assistants
- Targeted tutoring programs
The levels of support offered to such students include:
- Support in class by Teacher Assistants
- Support for teachers, including discussion of suitable strategies to support particular students
- Modification of learning outcomes, class work and assessment tasks to suit individual students
Other Avenues of Support
The hUb
The hUb is available Thursday and Friday to Senior students and for students in Years 7 -10 by arrangement with class teachers. If you would like more information please contact Lisa Clarkson, Inclusive Education Coordinator on telephone 6243 4153 or email lisa.clarkson@merici.act.edu.au.
The Homework Centre in the iC
The Homework Centre operates in the iC (Library) after school Monday through to Thursday, 3.30pm – 4.30pm. It is facilitated and staffed by members of the Inclusive Education team. There is no cost involved and it is free service in which any student can participate.Students can receive assistance undertaking assignments, locating resources or simply working on their own tasks. For information on the Homework Centre, please contact Lisa Clarkson, Inclusive Education Coordinator on telephone 6243 4153 or email lisa.clarkson@merici.act.edu.au.
Cross Age Tutoring
Cross age tutoring is available from students in Years 11 and 12 for students in the junior years. Senior students are paired with junior students according to academic interests and needs. Students may meet before school, at lunch time or after school. Please click here Cross-age Tutoring Information and Application Form for Parents to find more information and the application form for parents to complete.
Enrolment Policy
Funded students with recognised disabilities are required to have a panel meeting to determine their level of need. The panel consists of:
- The Principal
- A representative from the CEO Learning Support Team
- The Learning Support Teacher
- Parent/s and child
- Other professionals if required
Important Contacts
If you have any questions or concerns at all regarding your daughter’s needs please do not hesitate to contact Anna Masters, Principal on telephone 6243 4100.
