Diverse Learning

St Dominic’s College Diverse Learning 

The St Dominic’s College Diverse Learning Department uses a multifaceted approach to supporting the various needs of students from Years 7 to 12. The College strives to provide an inclusive environment for all students including those who face challenges with their learning – academically, socially and emotionally.

Students across the College have a diverse range of learning needs. Students who require learning support are identified using information from parents, primary schools and the results of diagnostic tests such as NAPLAN in Years 3, 5, 7 and 9, PAT-Reading, PAT-Mathematics and the York Assessment of Reading and Comprehension. We have a committed Diverse Learning team who consistently support and encourage the boys to achieve academic success. Staff provide support within the classroom, in small group settings as well as providing one-to-one support when required.

Students who demonstrate exceptional skills in various learning domains are also provided with opportunities to further extend their capabilities through a range of enrichment opportunities.

In 2017 a Literacy Framework was introduced to the College to assist students in meeting the Literacy and Numeracy standards for the HSC. To drive academic achievement specific programs targeting literacy and numeracy are conducted through Years 7 – 10. Programs include the Macqlit Reading Intervention Program and EMU Mathematics.

Special Provisions for examinations are accessible to students in situations where eligibility criteria is met. This process is formalised with NESA for Years 11 and 12, when further documentation is essential.

When required, itinerant teachers from varying organisations are accessed to advise and assist students with specific disabilities such as hearing and vision loss.   Reasonable adjustments in the learning environment ensure high quality learning for students with specific needs.

Student personal plans are formulated during Term 1 for identified students. These plans are developed in conjunction with members of the Diverse Learning staff, parents, the student as well as representative class teachers. Personal Plans are designed to guide students and teaching staff with strategies to help produce the best academic gains for the student, as well as promote their social and emotional wellbeing.

NCCD

The Nationally Consistent Collection of Data on School Students with Disability (NCCD) is a compulsory annual process participated in by all Australian schools across the country. The aim of this process is to provide the Australian Government with consistent information about the number of students with disability (or inferred disability) in Australian schools and the type of adjustments they require in order to access and participate in education on the same basis as other students. Please click here to read more important information.

Aboriginal and Torres Straight Islander Education

St Dominic’s College is committed to supporting all learning, cultural and social needs for our Aboriginal and Torres Straight Islander students. St Dominic’s has an Indigenous Coordinator, Mr James Bourke. Please contact Mr Bourke if you would like to discuss any matters in this area.

St Dominic’s College has engaged with the Aboriginal mentoring program called AIME which is run through Western Sydney University.

AIME tutoring and mentoring sessions are run each Wednesday afternoon for our Aboriginal and Torres Straight Islander students. Various Aboriginal mentors employed by AIME work with the students during this time. AIME also conduct workshop days at Sydney University where Indigenous students come together from various schools and complete several workshops with AIME mentors.  

During Term 4, Year 7 students participate in an Aboriginal and Torres Straight Islander workshop day. During the day students attend various sessions which includes dance, art, a cultural talk, a weapons, tools and instruments demonstration as well as Indigenous sports.

In Term 2 and Term 3, 2019, Aboriginal dance workshops were conducted at the College. Students voluntarily participated in these one hour workshops for a six week period of time. A group of students then performed at the NAIDOC week assembly following a smoking ceremony to begin the occasion.  

St Dominic’s College also recognises Reconciliation week and NAIDOC week with a formal assembly and various homeroom activities to help educate our young men about Aboriginal culture, history and the process of Reconciliation.

Student Assessment Support 

The St Dominic’s College Diverse Learning Centre is open at the following times for students to access assistance with the completion of their assessment tasks. 

Staff members

Mrs Pamela Dalton 

Mrs Billie Stanley

Mrs Miffany Gaspersic

Mrs Janette Hands

Mrs Lena Laurenzi

Ms Sara Kane

Mrs Elizabeth McDonald

Mr Zachary Ryan

College Psychologist: Mrs Debbie Haydon