Spencer Gulf

Spencer Gulf is a modern, engaging, inspiring and safe learning space where students seek assistance and support in the areas of literacy, numeracy and ATRiUM capabilities. Each class area has an enclosed huddle for use as a withdrawal space or for small group work. Each class has a designated teacher and SSO to provide support in a smaller class size of no more than 12 students at a time. These classes can work together or separately dependent on the learning that is occurring. To access learning in Spencer Gulf, students are required to meet a set of eligibility criteria as listed below.

The student either:

• Has a diagnosis of an intellectual disability, or unspecified intellectual disability (intellectual developmental disorder). or
• The student has complex, documented needs that prevent access to a full-time mainstream curriculum, which show that the student:
  • Requires at least a substantial level of adjustment to the curriculum in order to learn and participate, as evidenced in the student’s One Plan (or equivalent).
  • Demonstrates the potential to learn basic classroom routines and behaviours, as captured through clinical observation or other qualitative information.
  • Has evidence to support significantly low functioning in the school setting (e.g., communication, self-help, social and practical)
• Requires a curriculum that develops targeted, functional academic skills as well as consolidating independence in self-help and social skills as determined either:
  • by a Psychologist recommending special class on an SEO1.
  • the panel will then have a parent/carer and a Student Support Services delegate sign an SEO1-W form, which specifies WSC special class. This is a panel recommendation valid for WSC only.

If a student meets the criteria, the school then works on compiling a package of information to be submitted. Each package is moderated in week 7 of each term by a multidisciplinary panel team to determine whether a place is available and how much support may be required.