Special Classes

Special Classes (SWAN)

Valley View Secondary School is dedicated to providing an inclusive environment for students with more complex learning needs, especially through our specialised Special Classes for Students With Additional Needs (SWAN). By collaborating closely with families, caregivers, and specialised service providers, we ensure that the students in SWAN receive the individualised support and learning opportunities they need to be successful at school and beyond.

Enrolment Process
Students who are eligible through the Special Options Panel may be offered a position in SWAN. Students are not able to enrol through the usual high school enrolment process.

Staff
Each classroom has one teacher and at least one SSO, who are dedicated to ensuring that the students receive the support needed for a positive learning experience. Every staff member is committed to helping all students succeed.

Curriculum
The SWAN curriculum is based on the Australian Curriculum and transitioning to the SA Curriculum. Students’ individual needs are met through school assessments and personalised learning goals set through the One Plan process. Senior students access Modified SACE, and focus on post-school readiness, work skills and life skills.

Specialist Subjects
SWAN students have the opportunity to participate in specialist subjects, either individually or as a class, taught by specialist teachers. These opportunities allow students to benefit from creative and practical experiences that support their strengths and interests.

Community Access
Community Access is an essential part of the curriculum, combining life skills training, such as transportation and swimming, with real-world learning through weekly excursions and termly sports carnivals. Families receive a term plan outlining these activities. Students require a Metro Card with $25 per term and a $150.00 fee per year to cover these costs.

Transportation
Students with NDIS funding who live more than 5 kilometres away from the school may qualify for school-provided transportation, ensuring accessibility and convenience.

Coordination with NDIS Providers Onsite
SWAN staff assist parents and caregivers with organising NDIS providers to work onsite, ensuring that students receive additional services to support their educational and personal growth.

Valley View Secondary School values creating a supportive learning path for SWAN students, helping all students achieve their potential, regardless of their complex learning needs.

Valley View Secondary School is dedicated to promoting a supportive and inclusive environment for all students, including those with additional learning needs. Through collaboration with all relevant stakeholders, we try to create a comprehensive approach to student success. Our commitment includes:

  • Meeting with Relevant Stakeholders: We collaborate closely with parents / caregivers, Support Services and NDIS Providers to identify and address the specific supports needed for each student. This includes One Plan meetings, which are usually held in Terms 2 or 3, and are designed to address strategies and supports needed for the student to be academically successful at school.
  • Inclusive and Adaptable Learning Opportunities: Students benefit from tailored learning designed to meet their specific needs. This includes support with differentiated instruction, a variety of methods to demonstrate learning, and Modified SACE, if appropriate. These adjustments provide an educational experience that respects each student’s individual strengths and learning style.
  • Student Support Officers (SSOs): Our team of Learning Support SSOs provides in-class and/or small group support, focusing primarily on students funded through the IESP Supplementary Grant and specific IESP funding levels. While SSOs work to assist as many students as possible, their primary responsibility is to support those with funded needs.
  • Participation in External Programs: Students have opportunities to engage in outside programs that support skill development and future pathways. These includes the Student Pathways’ Autism Pre-Pathway Program: ICT for year 10 and 11 students and the Transition Program for year 12 students. These programs provide valuable experiences based on students’ interests and strengths.
  • Coordination with NDIS Providers Onsite: We assist parents / caregivers in organising NDIS providers to work onsite, ensuring students receive additional services that contribute to their educational and personal development.

Valley View Secondary School values the importance of working together to create a positive, supportive learning experience for all students, including those with additional learning needs.