Welcome to Inclusive Learning at Caloundra State High School
Location
Our Special Education Program is housed in dedicated spaces across three buildings: The Flexible Learning Centre (F Block), Lighthouse (LHC Block), and N Block's southern end.
Inclusive Learning Lunch Area
Students have the option of spending their lunchtimes in the main school grounds or to come to the Inclusive Learning area. The Inclusive Learning area is a safe and supportive environment for our students and is supervised by special education teachers. In this area, students have the opportunity to play hand ball, spend time talking with their friends, complete homework or catch up on work.
Student Daily Routine
Students in Years 7 – 12 commence each day at 8.40am and begin with Home Group for 10 minutes, where rolls are marked and daily notices are given to students. Students have four lessons each day. Lessons are 70 minutes duration. First break is 11:10am – 11.50am; Second break is 1:00 – 1:30pm. The school day finishes at 2.40pm.
Case Management
Every Inclusive Learning student will be allocated a case manager who will keep in regular contact with students and parents. They will monitor student academic progress, attendance and social and emotional wellbeing. The case manager will email you at the beginning of the year and will be a point of contact for you.
Curriculum Offerings
We aim to demonstrate to all members of the community that at Caloundra State High School, students are getting a well-rounded education that meets the requirements of Queensland and Australian Education authorities.
YEARS 7 - 10
All students in Year 7 – 10 are studying the Australian National Curriculum for English, Mathematics, Science, History, Geography and Health & Physical Education. Inclusive Learning students may either work in mainstream classes with some teacher aide support or in Inclusive Learning classes which are run by a special education teacher and are smaller in size and cater for individual needs. In addition, students participate in elective subjects delivered by specialist teachers in The Arts learning area (Music, Visual Art, Drama, Dance) and Technology learning area (Digital Technology, Home Economics, Food Technology, Design Technology, Metal Engineering and Wood Manufacturing).
All students participate in a Well-being program, our school pastoral care program. The Inclusive Learning students have their own Well-being program that is designed to meet their unique needs. This program is aimed at developing resilience, interpersonal skills, self-identity, self-awareness, and social awareness.
Students in Years 7 to 8 also participate in interschool Sport.
YEARS 11 & 12
Most of our students work towards their Queensland Certificate of Education (QCE) in Years 11 & 12 in mainstream classes. Inclusive Learning also provides individualised curriculum to Year 11 & 12 students who are gaining their Queensland Certificate of Individual Achievement (QCIA). The subjects include Functional Mathematics, Functional English and Social and Communities Studies.
The Functional English Program establishes a basis for students' further learning as well as developing essential communication skills to enhance employment opportunities. Students are involved in real-world learning experiences that allow them to develop their interpersonal skills, and to acquire knowledge and skills related to future life and further training and employment.
The Functional Maths Program meets each student at their own level and uses online programs, in class tasks and group discussions and projects, to continue to develop their ability to interact in our communities. Particular attention is given to core knowledge of time, measurement and money related topics with further specialisation for everyone based on their goals.
In Social and Communities Studies our senior students are exposed to a variety of activities including pastoral care activities, active citizenship, independent living skills, sport & leisure pursuits and workplace skills. They also volunteer in the council initiative, Bushcare not only to develop important skills but to give back to the community.
Study Support
Inclusive Learning has two study support options that operate Monday to Friday. Inclusive Learning study support is in N02 from 7.30am – 8.30am and the Resource Centre 7.30am – 8.30am daily.
Students can utilise this time to catch up on their schoolwork and receive support from the Teacher Aides.
Support Dog - Dusty
Dusty is a trained support dog and will be attending our school. He belongs to Karen Bauer and will be based in Inclusive Learning. Dusty is an Australian Cobber dog with a gentle but fun-loving personality. Dusty will provide a calm and supportive presence, helping students feel safe and connected. We are excited to have him as part of our Inclusive Learning team .
Specialised Programs
Inclusive Learning offers a range of practical and enriching programs individually tailored to each students' needs and goals.
Below are the current programs:
BUSHCARE
Students get actively involved supporting the community by volunteering their time with Bushcare Sunshine Coast Council to conserve and restore our natural bushland in council's environment reserves. It is a great way for our students to make a positive impact on the environment, meet new people, stay healthy and active, learn new skills and connect with nature. This hands-on experience not only enriches their learning but also fosters a deeper connection with nature.
CROCHET CLUB
Crochet Club runs every Tuesday in N02, 11.10-11.40am. All students are welcome. Here we learn basic crochet skills and build on these each week. This is for complete beginners to experienced crocheters. Students create a range of items including baskets, Christmas decorations and blankets.
EQUINE THERAPY
The Equine therapy program aims to support student wellbeing. Benefits include opportunities to develop resilience, emotional regulation, foster trust and empathy.
Program includes managing interactions with horses: grooming, learning how to lead a horse, and leading a horse through an obstacle course.
GARDENING
Caloundra SHS offers students the opportunity to participate in the Stephanie Alexander Kitchen Garden Program. In the kitchen and in the garden, students discover ideas and concepts first-hand, through real-life experience. While working in the garden students will be focused on STEM ways of working which include collaboration, communication, critical thinking, creativity, citizenship and character.
JUST DANCE CLUB
Just Dance clubs runs every Thursday. All students are welcome to come along and burn off some energy in friendly supportive environment.
READING PROGRAM
Students in Year 7 & 8 are tested on their reading ability and are provided support each week to develop their reading. We use the programs Accelerated Reader, Literacy Planet and Spelling City to develop their skills.
U BUILD RODS
Involves students building fishing rods from scratch. Student build resilience, regulate emotions and improve problem solving skills while learning the practical skills involved in building a fishing rod. This program proudly sponsored by Caloundra Fishing World.
For further information please contact the Deputy Principal Special Education Services on
inclusive_learning@caloundrashs.eq.edu.au