Learning
At Tallowood School we are committed to providing extensive access to targeted and well-planned learning opportunities for a range of students with diverse and often complex learning needs.
Each student has a Personalised Learning Support Plan (PLSP), developed in collaboration with families and therapists, which works towards the achievement of family goals and outcomes from the syllabus.
All students have an individual learning program. The learning intentions and success criteria from these programs, together with setting learning goals collaboratively with the student's families, shape the class program and facilitate relevant and meaningful learning across all Key Learning Areas.
What students learn
Students learn a wide range of subjects in the NSW curriculum. They build skills, think creatively and prepare for life beyond school.
At our school, students can take part in special religious education (SRE) .
When enrolling your child, you’ll be able to choose an option from the approved providers offered at our school. Students not attending SRE are given supervised alternative meaningful activities.
You’re welcome to change your choice at any time. Just let us know in writing or use the online form (if available at our school).
For more information contact us.
Our learning approach
Our school uses explicit teaching. This means we clearly tell students what they are learning, why it is important and how to do it step by step. Explicit teaching helps students understand new ideas by breaking them into smaller parts.
Learning at our school is student-centred, inclusive and practical. We are committed to equity and access. We support all learning styles and needs. Our teachers use proven teaching strategies. They take part in ongoing professional development to stay up to date with best teaching practice.
Our learning approach includes:
- real-world learning: hands-on tasks, group work and exploring new ideas
- technology: to help students learn and build digital skills
- flexible teaching: the right support for each student, with a focus on wellbeing
- community connections: through excursions and local programs.
Helping students progress
We support every student’s academic 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
- providing targeted literacy and numeracy support in small groups
- 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.
Transition to Post School Life
Tallowood School is committed to helping families plan for the next steps once their child completes year 12. Along with the Itinerant Support Teacher Transition, this process begins for families in Year 9, and continues in Year 10, 11 & 12.
Year 9
An information pack is sent home to families outlining what to expect over the coming year. Families are invited to a Senior Information evening.
Families are encouraged to attend Post School Options Expos to begin learning about what options are available.
Year 10
As each child turns 16, information is sent home about the Disability Support Pension and Pensioner Education Supplement.
The first Transition planning meeting occurs with the Itinerant Support Teacher Transition. This meeting is the first of 3, where we gather and share information about what to expect and how to plan for the transition phase.
Families are encouraged to attend the Senior Information night and the post school options expos.
Year 11
Families are invited to their second Transition planning meeting. At this meeting, we update previously shared information and discuss plans for the transition phase and how NDIS can support this.
We continue to encourage families to attend the senior information night, attend expos and visit post school options service providers to help in this planning.
Year 12
Families are invited to attend their third transition planning meeting. At this meeting, we make plans for transition to occur during year 12 and discuss how NDIS can support this.
Students can begin transitioning to their post school service provider.
Families can continue to attend expos for further information.