Support Unit: Autism

At St Ives High School, we are proud to offer a dedicated Autism Support Unit, designed to provide tailored educational experiences for students on the autism spectrum. Our unit fosters a small, nurturing environment that prioritises individual learning needs, allowing students to thrive.

Support Class Placement

You cannot enrol your child directly into a support class but your local school can help you with this process. The first step is to speak to your child’s school. The school will work with you to determine if your child is eligible and if this type of support will meet their needs.

This option is available when:

• Your child has significant support needs and meets the department's disability criteria.
• This type of specialist support will meet their educational needs.
• An application is completed in collaboration with you. This is usually arranged by the learning and support team at the school your child is enrolled in.

A local support class panel considers the application and decides an outcome. This application is called an ‘access request’.

Personalised Learning Environment

In our Autism Support Unit, students benefit from a small learning environment with specialised teachers who are trained to support diverse learning styles. This intimate setting enables educators to dedicate time and attention to each individual student, fostering a strong foundation for academic growth and personal development.

Our curriculum aligns with the NSW Department of Education guidelines, ensuring that all students have access to high-quality education. We make necessary accommodations and adjustments to the curriculum to meet the diverse needs of our students, enhancing their learning experiences.

Integration with Mainstream Classes

We believe in the value of inclusivity and strive to integrate students into mainstream classes and electives when appropriate for their academic ability. This integration helps build social skills and promotes a sense of belonging within the wider school community.

Comprehensive Support System

To further assist our students, we provide a range of support services, including:

• Student Counsellor Support: Our dedicated student counsellors are available to help address any emotional or social challenges students may face.
• Learning Support Team: This team collaborates with external agencies to facilitate learning pathways, ensuring that students are prepared for further studies or future employment opportunities.

Ongoing Review and Transition Support

We hold annual student review meetings with the Support Unit team to discuss each student’s progress and make necessary adjustments to their ILP. Additionally, when a student completes their school education, we conduct transition meetings to assist them with work placement and further education options.

Our Autism Support Unit is committed to providing a supportive and enriching educational experience for students on the autism spectrum. By focusing on individualised learning, integrating students into mainstream classes, and offering comprehensive support services, we empower our students to reach their full potential.

Have a question for our principal or teachers?

Our friendly office team can help you get in touch.

Contact us