Inclusive Education
Inclusive Education Department
In keeping with the spirit and ethos of Blessed Edmund Rice, St Mary’s College supports and implements an inclusive education for our students, catering for the diversity of the student body.
Enrichment
St Mary’s College offers numerous enrichment opportunities for high potential learners, as well as students who require additional support.
The College recognises that all students learn and progress at their own pace, and some students need a faster pace. Students undertake a self-monitored and self-driven approach to their learning and can undertake an inquiry approach within the classroom.
In addition to this, St Mary’s College offers numerous opportunities for enrichment for our gifted and talented students. Some of the enrichment programs and activities currently undertaken include:
- Science & Engineering Challenge
- Maths Team Challenge
- Da Vinci Decathlon
- Debating
- Opti-minds
- Extension classes in English
- Australian Mathematics Competition
- ICAS competitions
- University of New South Wales Competitions
- Year 11/12 RACI Titration Competition
- Accounting Challenge
- UQ Rural Clinical School ‘A Day in Medicine’ Experience
- Brain Bee Challenge
- USQ HeadStart Program
- Ethics Olympiad
- Future Solutions
- SUBS in Schools
- Griffith University STEM Supercup
- Mayor’s Telstra Innovation Award
- Gen(In) Awards
The Inclusive Education Department
The Inclusive Education department is staffed with four full-time Learning Support Teachers who work closely with classroom teachers to implement appropriate, and where necessary, individualised adjustments and modifications to teaching and learning in supporting our students to access the curriculum and strive to meet their full potential.
Students with additional needs undertake their education in regular classrooms as respected members of our inclusive community. The Inclusive Education department staff work closely with the College Guidance Counsellors, Student Engagement team and the First Nation and Multicultural Coordinator to ensure students are supported holistically during their educational journey at St Mary’s. This is achieved through consultation and collaboration with students, parents, and teaching staff to ensure students are supported with personalised learning plans outlining adjustments and modifications to the curriculum where required.
The Hub
The St Mary’s College Hub is open before school and at breaks for students who would like a quiet place to regulate and prepare themselves for learning. The HUB offers students an area away from the busyness of the school grounds to enjoy quiet socialising, playing games, or debriefing their day with staff. Staffed by a Learning Support Teacher, all students are welcome to frequent the HUB anytime during break times and otherwise by appointment.
Applications from students with additional needs are welcomed at St Mary’s College and we follow the Enrolment Application and Support Procedures process, outlined by the Toowoomba Catholic Schools Office. At every stage of the enrolment process we encourage the sharing of information between home and school and across agencies.
