The Small Group Program (SGP) at Farrer Primary School is a specialised educational learning environment for children with additional and complex learning needs.
Each child in the multi-age SGP has an Individual Learning Plan (ILP) focusing on literacy, numeracy and life skills.
Staff work with families and other professionals to create ILPs. Literacy and numeracy goals are aligned with the Australian Curriculum accessed at the student’s point of need.
Examples of life skill goals could be
- Communication skills (expressive and receptive language)
- Social skills (reciprocal interactions, sharing, turn taking, playing with others, emotional learning, cooperation)
- Independence
- Organisation
- Self-care
- Transitioning from small group to large group settings
Each student works to an individualised timetable that is catered to their needs outlined in their ILP. This provides students with a predictable routine allowing for optimal learning to take place. This format can assist in the minimisation of anxiety associated with learning and structures. All learning is focused on the goals jointly constructed by teaching staff and families.
Students have the opportunity to develop their skills in a structured and safe environment, taking their learning from small to large group settings. Students have opportunities to learn social skills in the SGP and with appropriate supports in place, transfer this learning into the broader community. This assists with the mastery of everyday skills, for example greetings and farewells.
The SGP is located in the centre of the school with access to both Ellyard and Cameron buildings and play equipment. Students are encouraged to play and interact with peers at break times through structured play activities and support from staff when needed.
Students have opportunities to work as part of their mainstream classes supported by Learning Support Staff (LSAs). This is based on individual student needs as outlined in the ILP. Students may for example, join their mainstream class for inquiry lessons, PE and grade specific experiences such as the swimming program, excursions and camps.
The SGP teacher is Emily Craggs. Learning support assistants form part of children's learning program.
The executive teacher for Year 3 - 6 and the SGP is Jodie White.
Each week the specialist team work with classes across the school. Sarah Aby (Japanese), Brett Maron (physical education), Aaron Flynn (science) and Michelle Duffie (English as an Additional Language / Dialect) plan for and implement these aspects of the Australian curriculum.
Sarah, Brett and Aaron also coordinate events such as Japanese fun day and Japanese competitions, various sporting gala days, clinics, carnivals and competitions as well as incursions and excursions adding fun, interest and valuing adding to the school's educational programs.
A term overview will be shared in week 2 each term via children's Seesaw online journal.
Information about ways the Education Directorate support students with additional needs can be found here.