SPECIAL NEEDS
 

Learning Assistance (LA) And English As A Second Language (ESL)

For students who need extra assistance in English, Maths and Science, small LA classes are provided.  In English, students participate in an intensive ‘Steps to Literacy’ program.  In Maths, LA students follow the same content as their mainstream counterparts; however, the material, teaching strategies and outcomes are tailored to meet the needs of the LA students.  In Science, while the LA classes follow the same curriculum as mainstream classes, emphasis is placed on developing students’ literacy skills. ESL classes are also conducted to assist ESL students in achieving first and second language mastery.

Parent Tutor Scheme
Our Parent Tutor Reading Program is a school-based program in which volunteer parent tutors are trained by our staff to work with students one-to-one.

Hearing Support Unit  (HSU)
In February 1996, a HSU was established at BHS to cater for the educational needs of ACT students in Years 7 to 10 who have a significant (generally severe to profound) hearing loss.  Belconnen High School HSU is the only high school unit in the ACT. 

Supporting Students with an Autism/Asperger’s Syndrome

At Belconnen High School we believe that supported inclusion in the mainstream school is a great way to assist students with Autism/Asperger’s Syndrome to develop the skills they need in order to make their way in life.  We use supported mainstream inclusion to develop a student’s educational potential and to teach them the skills to function independently in the community.  At Belconnen High School we are concerned that many students with Autism/Asperger’s Syndrome are not making it through the formal education system and into gainful employment.  Such an outcome places an unacceptable burden on parents and the community.  It is also a great loss to the community of a group of highly competent people.  Supported mainstream inclusion is not always easy but it does provide the perfect context for teaching students with Autism/Asperger’s Syndrome the skills they need to become independent and contributing members of the community.

Our Goal

At Belconnen High School our goal is to teach students with Autism/Asperger’s Syndrome to better manage their relationships, advance their education and to prepare them for the next step (post high school).
 
Values Statement

At Belconnen High School we value the unique strengths of students with an Autism/Asperger’s Syndrome and use these strengths as motivators for learning.  We also recognise the unique skills deficits associated with Autism/Asperger’s Syndrome and have developed a program with four focus areas to cater specifically for this disability.  Because we value the different way skills deficits present in individuals with Autism/Asperger’s Syndrome we adapt the program to suit individual needs.  We value supported inclusion in mainstream classes as the context to teach students with Autism/Asperger’s Syndrome the skills they need to live productive lives within the community and use both structured learning and experiential learning opportunities.  We understand that skills taught in the program may be difficult to master so allow learning to take its own pace.

Focus Areas

The program developed by to support students with Autism/Asperger’s Syndrome at Belconnen High School covers the following Focus Areas:

1. Social Communication
2. Problem Solving
3. Anxiety Management
4. Literacy and Numeracy

Each focus area is interrelated and synergistic.   The learning process uses a mixture of structured teaching and experiential learning opportunities.