The Mudgeeraba State Special School is situated in the Gold Coast Hinterland, west of the famous beaches but still close to the surf . The school accepts students who are moderately to severely intellectually impaired. (In Education Queensland terms - ascertained at level 6 I. I. ; or who may also have multiple impairments including A.S.D., Visual, Auditory or physical impairments up to level 6) and who are aged from 5 to 18 years. Each student has an Individual Education Plan (I.E.P.) which identifies that student's diverse needs and abilities and establishes individual priority goals, within the curriculum. The school operates a high quality curriculum which reflects the principles of Eight Key Learning Areas, which have been modified to the needs and developmental levels of our students. This year the school has 54 students enrolled. These are grouped into nine classes. Each class has access to Teacher Aide resources depending on needs, and Physio, Occupational, Music and Speech therapy is delivered by part time personnel. The Key Learning Areas may be delivered via a: Training/Activity Therapy Focus or: A Community/Life Skills Focus

A School building designed to resource an education program for students with high support needs has been completed.

All families of students attending this school have clearly identified their needs for their student to attend a special setting. It is has been established by consultation that the regular setting is not a priority at present for our students. Activities incorporating the local community are designed to include our students in a variety of learning experiences ranging from being included in classes at the Elanora and Worongary primary schools, sporting activities with the Hinterland Small Schools Assoc., to community service at the local nursing home.

Many families do not live close to the school. Students attending this school travel from an area that includes Nerang, Merrimac, and Palm Beach/Elanora. The geographical spread of homes extends up to 14 km from the school. Students are mostly delivered to the school by contracted transport operators. Local students who are transported by their parents are eligible for a kilometric allowance. There are no independent travellers in the school population.

Parent/teacher interaction is usually by way of formally arranged meetings. These are recorded as part of the process in developing I.E.P.'s and also include all professionals involved in program delivery. The community of the school is actively supportive, and works tirelessly towards many projects to enhance the provision of suitable resources and services for the students of this school.

The school enjoys a high level of support from the wider local community. Many of the P&C projects are supported by the Gold Coast City Council, the Variety Club and many other fundraising charitable organisations. Local businesses promote and support the school work experience program. The school is assisted in achieving its goals by a dedicated band of volunteers recruited from amongst the local community who assist and work with teachers and children in a range of activities, designed to meet the diverse needs of the students.

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