A unique Sydney Catholic Schools support structure is in place to optimise learning for all students. High-quality inclusive education is provided for students with diverse learning profiles relating to: giftedness, speech, language, communication, vision, hearing, literacy acquisition and post-school pathways. Central office diverse learning teams work with our classroom teachers to enhance their capacity to maximise learning outcomes for students. Specialists in these teams collaborate widely to consolidate an inclusive approach to learning. Each school also has dedicated learning support staff.

Sydney Catholic Schools provides reasonable adjustments to assist and support students with disability to successfully engage in learning. All Sydney Catholic Schools engage in the annual Nationally Consistent Collection of Data for School Students with Disability. Students with moderate intellectual disabilities and complex developmental needs may benefit from the educational program at Eileen Oโ€™Connor Catholic College Lewisham or our Specialist Support Classes located onsite at Good Shepherd Catholic Primary School, Hoxton Park and Good Samaritan Catholic College, Hinchinbrook.

Specific Learning Support

Through expert support and resources from Sydney Catholic Schools, we collaborate and deliver personalised plans for students who have cognitive or developmental disorders, sensory disability, autism, physical disability, and speech, language and communication disorders. These plans focus on specific educational goals and adjustments related to areas such as curriculum, communication and social skills.

The College provides reasonable adjustments to assist and support students with disability to successfully engage in learning. We engage in the annual Nationally Consistent Collection of Data for School Students with Disability.

The college offers a Challenge Class in years 7-10 which is an opportunity for academically gifted and talented students to undertake their studies in an environment in which they are able to interact with their intellectual peers. The Challenge Class covers the syllabus material mandated by NESA, however, the choice of content, the pace at which the material is undertaken, and the depth and breadth of the material covered is more suited to the more academically able students. There is a focus on providing opportunities for independent learning, extension activities and developing higher order cognitive skills.

Students learning English for the first time are supported by dedicated staff within our school, staff from the Sydney Catholic Schools offices, and programs for new arrivals.

Our EAL/D expert works collaboratively with teachers across the curriculum to ensure effective identification and learning strategies are employed.

We are committed to working in partnership with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander students and their families to ensure students obtain a high-quality education as a platform for achieving their full potential.

Students are well supported by the Diverse Learning Coordinator at the College, as well as opportunities to connect and network with other SCS ATSIC students through a range of program and initiatives.