The Support Unit at Richmond High School provides educational programs for students with mild and moderate intellectual disabilities and Autism from Year 7 to Year 12.
It is currently funded for five classes. All staff in the Support Faculty have undergone additional training to qualify to teach in the area of special education. Each class is allocated a Learning Support Officer to assist teachers in the implementation of both class and individual programs.
Students in the Support Unit study courses from the Life Skills curriculum, which has been designed by the NSW Education Standards Authority (NESA) for students who are unable to access mainstream educational outcomes for a range of reasons. The Life Skills outcomes and content can be viewed on the NESA website
https://www.educationstandards.nsw.edu.au/
Through consultation between parents and staff, this pattern of study can be broadened to include subjects from the mainstream syllabus through a program of integration.
Students are supported from Year 7 to Year 12 to develop skills in independent travel through participation in the Community Mobility Program. They also undertake an extensive Work Education Program that includes work experience, and may include TAFE participation in Year 11 and/or Year 12.
From Year 10, each student will create an Individual Transition Plan in consultation with Dept of Education staff and parents/carers. This creates a pathway towards future work and education opportunities in the post-school years. Students are awarded an HSC at the end of Year 12 and can be linked to a Disability Employment Service through their NDIS providers.
All students in Year 11 and Year 12 complete an enrichment program called “Life Ready” which has been designed by the NSW Dept of Education to prepare and support senior students in their decision-making as they progress towards independence. Students in the Support Unit may undertake some of the course content with their mainstream peers.
The staff in the Support Unit at Richmond High School welcome enquiries and you are encouraged to contact us if you would like further information about our current programs.
Courses
English
English course outcomes and content is guided by the NESA and focuses on the development of functional literacy and independent living skills.
Mathematics
Courses are designed to enable students to use mathematics in a variety of contexts in order to enhance and encourage participation in post-school life. Mathematics is undertaken in community settings as well as the classroom to provide for practical application of skill development.
PDHPE
Students undertake practical and classroom based lessons to enhance physical fitness and skills. The ability to make healthy lifestyle choices is the focus of the Personal Development and Health components of this course.
Human Society and its Environment
Students complete studies in the following areas:
- History (Year 7 to Year 10)
- Geography (Year 7 to Year 10)
- Work Education (Year 7 to Year 10)
- Work and Community Studies (Year 11 and 12)
- Community Mobility
Science
In addition to Science in Year 7 to Year 10, students participate in agriculture in Year 7 and Year 8.
Creative and Performing Arts
Subjects studies include:
- Visual Arts (Year 7 and Year 8)
- Music (Year 7 and Year 8).
Technology and Applied Studies
Students participate in a range of technology and applied studies (TAS) courses from Year 7 to Year 12 including:
- Computing Studies
- Wood Technology
- Food Technology
- Textiles Technology
Languages
Mandatory course for Stage 4.
Life Ready
An enrichment course designed by the Board of Studies for Year 11 and completed by all students.
Vocational education and training courses
These courses, known as Technical and Vocational Education Training (TVET) and school and vocational education training (SVET) are available to students in Year 11 and 12 and are completed as units of study for the HSC. Students attend a TAFE course run at school or local TAFE colleges. Examples of available courses include the following:
- Hospitality
- Construction
- Retail Services
- Hairdressing
- Warehousing
- Animal Care
- Horticulture
