Diversity

St Andrew’s has a Diversity Department that provides support to students from Prep to Year 12.

The provision of support follows guidelines as set out in the Diocesan Inclusive Practices Policy (2021) and the Disability Standards for Education (2005).  This concept of inclusion is “based on the provision of a safe, supportive and collaborative learning environment responsive to the needs of all students. The learning environment should enable all students to access education that is appropriate,  equitable, and empowering (in alignment with standards outlined in the DSE, 2005). Such environments ensure that students can engage with the daily life of the school and curriculum, demonstrating their knowledge and strengths, and maximising participation through quality learning opportunities. 

To deliver these services, the Department provides an Assistant Principal,  Heads of Department, Diverse Learning Teachers, and Diversity Support Officers for Prep to Year 12.

The College currently has a number of Diverse Learning Teachers who act as Case Managers for students who have been verified with a disability and offer support to students with specific needs in Literacy and Numeracy.

These teachers work closely with classroom teachers who have day-to-day responsibility for the educational development of students in their classes.

The role of the Diversity Teacher includes;

• Liaising with parents and teachers in identifying the needs of their students;
• Up-skilling teachers and learning support officers in their support of students at risk;
• Assisting teachers in developing intervention strategies designed to assist students at risk;
• Assisting teachers in their task of effectively diagnosing areas of concern in the literacy and numeracy of particular students;
• Specific teaching of intervention strategies to specifically identified students at risk, either individually or in small groups;
• Assisting teachers in effectively implementing Individual Education and Support Programs for specific students; and
• Liaising with visiting specialists such as Advisory Visiting Teachers, Speech Pathologists, Occupational Therapists, and other organisations including the Cerebral Palsy, Diabetes, and Epilepsy Associations.