Special Education

Cerdon College supports the needs of students who have intellectual, physical and sensory disabilities as well as those with specific learning difficulties, in an integrated setting. Because of Cerdon's whole school approach, these students have access to a range of school experiences, from a regular school curriculum, with support provided by Special education staff, to modified curriculum designed to suit individual needs and abilities. While students are generally supported in the regular classroom, individual and small group tuition is provided for students whose basic skills require remediation. These skills include spelling, comprehension and literacy as well as life skills such as travelling, shopping, nutrition and food preparation.

Cerdon College promotes an active partnership between the school, students and parents, through the transition process, to develop short and long-term goals and to design strategies to achieve them. Transition meetings commence in year 7 and reoccur regularly throughout the student's school career, to assist their smooth promotion from year to year and their successful progress into the adult world of work and community living. Catholic Education Office (CEO) agencies assist in this process: The Transition Team may participate in transition meetings and arrange vocational training courses, and the Job Coach organises and supervises work experience placements.

Other specialist agencies such as the Cumberland Communication Disorders Treatment and Research Clinic which conducts programs at the school for students with communication disorders, also provide additional support where necessary.

The Special Education staff also works closely with the Special Needs Committee to assist students whose needs are not directly addressed by existing structures and personnel within the school. The Special Education Department strives to ensure that each student with special needs experiences school as both positive and rewarding, while being prepared for experiences outside of school which maximise their quality of life.