Student Support at St Patrick’s Catholic School

Inclusive Education

At St Patrick’s Catholic School, we are committed to inclusive education, ensuring that all students, regardless of ability or individual needs, can fully engage with the curriculum and participate in school life. Our goal is to create a learning environment where every student, including those with additional needs or disabilities, has the opportunity to thrive. Through targeted support, resources, and teaching strategies, our Student Support Services provide the necessary assistance to help each student reach their full potential.

Student Support Services

At St Patrick’s Catholic School, we provide tailored adjustments and modifications to support students with additional needs, whether physical, cognitive, sensory, or social emotional. We provide Speech Therapy,  support for students English as an Additional Language (EAL) and Gifted & Talented. We ensure that appropriate accommodations are made to support their learning and participation in the curriculum. These adjustments may include extra time for assessments, modified teaching strategies, and alternative formats for tasks and materials, allowing all students to access their education effectively.

Learning Plans

For students requiring additional support, we develop Learning Plans (LPs). These plans are personalised to each student’s strengths and areas of need, outlining the specific learning goals and the tailored support they will receive. Learning Plans are created in consultation with teachers, parents, and, when appropriate, external specialists.

These plans are regularly reviewed to monitor progress and adjust strategies, ensuring that the support provided is effective and continues to meet the student’s needs as they develop.

Response to Intervention (RTI)

Our approach to supporting students also includes the Response to Intervention (RTI) framework. RTI is a structured, data-driven model that helps identify students who need additional support early and provides them with targeted interventions.

How RTI Works:

• Tier 1: High-Quality Classroom Instruction
   At this level, all students receive research-based instruction in the general education classroom. For most students, Tier 1 is enough to meet their academic needs. Teachers differentiate instruction to address varying levels of readiness and ability within the classroom.
  
  
• Tier 2: Targeted Group Interventions
   Students who require additional support may receive small group instruction that targets specific academic or behavioural challenges. These interventions are provided in addition to regular classroom instruction and are monitored closely to determine effectiveness.
  
  
• Tier 3: Intensive, Individualised Support
   For students who continue to struggle despite interventions at Tier 1 and Tier 2, Tier 3 offers more intensive, individualised support. This may involve one-on-one instruction, specialised interventions, and additional resources to meet the student's unique needs. These interventions are highly personalised and monitored for effectiveness on a frequent basis.

Through the RTI framework, we ensure that every student receives the right level of support, based on ongoing assessment and observation.

Collaboration with Families

We believe that working in partnership with families is essential for student success. Parents play an important role in the development of Learning Plans and are kept informed about their child’s progress through regular communication. Together, we can create the best possible learning experience and ensure that every student feels supported both at school and at home.

Pastoral Care and Well-Being

In addition to academic support, we offer a variety of pastoral care programs designed to assist students through times of stress, grief, loss, or trauma. We are fortunate to be able to offer counselling through CatholicCare and other community agencies, who provide additional services to support our students' emotional and mental well-being.

Nationally Consistent Collection of Data (NCCD)

St Patrick’s Catholic School participates in the Nationally Consistent Collection of Data (NCCD) each year. This process helps us ensure that we are providing the appropriate adjustments for students with disabilities, in line with the Disability Discrimination Act (1992) and the Disability Standards for Education (2005). It allows us to make informed decisions about how to best support our students and ensure they have equitable access to education.

Get in Touch

If you have any questions or would like to learn more about the support available for your child, including Learning Plans and RTI, please don’t hesitate to get in touch. We are committed to supporting your child’s learning journey and ensuring they receive the help they need to succeed.