Learning

All Individual Learning Plans (ILP's) and class programs are linked to NSW DoE curriculum and NSW syllabus requirements. Students at Newcastle Senior School are registered in Key Learning Areas from stages 5 and 6 of the Life Skills curriculum.

Stage 5 students with appropriate participation and attendance in the Key Learning Areas of English, Mathematics, Science, History, Geography and PDHPE will attain their Record of School Achievement at the completion of Year 10.

Stage 6 students with appropriate participation and attendance in the Key Learning Areas of English, Mathematics, PDHPE, Food Technology, Creative & Performing Arts (Visual Arts and Music), Work and the Community and PDHPE will attain their Higher School Certificate at the completion of Year 12 (please note this is a certificate of recognition and NOT an ATAR).

More information can be found at  NSW Curriculum  NESA

Newcastle Senior School supports curriculum and the development of functional skills through the implementation of programs developed by ASDAN (Award Scheme Development and Accreditation Network).
Students can, in Years 9 and 10, follow the Transition Challenge program while students in Years 11 and 12 can follow the Towards Independence program.

These programs are activity-based curriculum resources that provide a life skills context to promote the development of personal, social, independent, ICT and work-related skills. They have been developed for learners with moderate, severe, complex, profound or multiple learning difficulties.

ASDAN programs allow for students of all ability levels to demonstrate achievement. Student learning is documented through the development of a portfolio of evidence which is assessed by trained moderators, at school level as well as by ASDAN staff, for the award of an accredited certificate.

Students can take their portfolio with them as evidence of their achievements into post-school placements or supported employment.

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PASSPORT FOR LEARNING

Newcastle Senior School uses the assessment tool Passport for Learning. This tool is used to support whole-school assessment practices and support the sharing of student progress.

The passport supports a wide range of skills across four domains:

1. Cognitive understanding

2. Receptive language

3. Expressive communication

4. Social skills

More information can be found at Passport for learning

Our learning approach

At Newcastle Senior School we will relate to students in a positive way by demonstrating qualities of empathy, genuineness, positive regard and acceptance.

Positive reinforcers may include:

  • The provision of ongoing positive feedback to the student for appropriate behaviour
  • Consistent and caring behaviour by staff
  • The use of merit certificates, awards and other appropriate school based rewards
  • Commendations or recognition at assemblies and special school occasions
  • Regular ongoing contact with parents or caregivers, in person, by letter or by telephone
  • Individual learning program (ILP) meetings

Helping students progress

We support every student’s progress by:

  • checking their progress and giving clear and timely feedback
  • setting learning goals with each student
  • giving extra help with personalised plans and support from specialist staff
  • reporting on each student’s learning progress so parents and carers know how their child is doing
  • making wellbeing part of everyday learning
  • working with families to support learning at home and school
  • helping students through transitions, like starting school or moving to a new stage of learning.

Learn more about additional support at our school.

Student opportunities and activities

Discover clubs, sports and other activities your child can enjoy at school.

Our principal and staff

Get to know our principal and staff, who work together to create a positive school culture.