Our Support Unit

Auburn Girls High School’s Support Unit provides a safe, inclusive and engaging learning environment for students with divers ability and additional learning needs. Our experienced Special Education teachers and School Learning Support Officers work closely with each student and her family to develop personalised learning programs that reflect her strengths, interests, individual needs and future goals.

Students are supported to access the curriculum while developing essential literacy, numeracy, communication, social, emotional and independent living skills. Learning extends beyond the classroom through practical and authentic experiences, including the Support Unit’s weekly café, where students develop confidence, teamwork, communication and workplace skills while connecting with the wider school community.

The Support Unit also works closely with external agencies, therapists and other professionals to provide a holistic approach to supporting each student. Through collaboration with families, therapists and community services, we support students to develop emotionally, socially and academically, while building their confidence, independence and ability to achieve their individual goals.

For students in Years 11 and 12, the Support Unit places a strong focus on preparing students for life after school. Students are supported to explore and apply for suitable TAFE courses and other post-school pathways. Work experience opportunities, both within the school and in the wider community, allow students to develop practical employment skills, independence, confidence and an understanding of workplace expectations. These experiences support students to build the skills and confidence they need to transition successfully into further education, training, employment and community participation.

Find out more about specialist support classes and how your child can be supported in high school.

Who we support

Our Support Unit supports students with a range of additional learning needs, including:

• Intellectual disability
• Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD)
• Speech and language difficulties
• Physical disabilities
• Emotional and behavioural needs
• Other complex learning and support needs

Placement is based on an individual assessment of each student’s needs to ensure that appropriate support and educational programs are provided.

How we support students

Students learn through a combination of:

• Small-group and individualised teaching
• Differentiated learning programs matched to individual goals and abilities
• Specialist staff, resources and teaching strategies
• Programs that develop communication, social and emotional skills
• Practical learning and authentic community experiences
• Opportunities to develop independence and functional life skills

Each student has an Individual Education Plan (IEP) that supports her individual learning and development. These plans focus on helping students to:

• Develop literacy, numeracy and communication skills
• Build positive relationships and social skills
• Develop independence and confidence
• Manage emotions and behaviour
• Develop functional and life skills
• Work towards individual learning and transition goals

Our learning programs include regular monitoring and review, clear communication with families and close tracking of each student’s strengths, progress and areas for development. This personalised approach supports engagement, improves learning outcomes and helps students make meaningful progress throughout their secondary education.

How students access our support unit

Placement in the Support Unit follows the NSW Department of Education access request process. This process helps the school understand each student’s individual needs and determine the most appropriate educational support.

The process generally includes:

1. Meeting with the school’s learning and support team to discuss the student’s needs
2. Providing relevant reports, assessments and supporting documentation
3. Review and recommendation through the appropriate specialist process
4. Developing an Individual Education Plan (IEP) and personalised support program

Families are encouraged to contact the school to discuss their daughter’s individual needs and learn more about the placement process.

Working with Families and Specialists

Strong partnerships with families are an important part of our Support Unit. Our teachers maintain regular communication with parents and carers to share progress, discuss concerns and plan appropriate next steps.

We also work collaboratively with external therapists, counsellors, health professionals, community organisations and other specialists. This collaborative approach helps ensure that students receive consistent and coordinated support across school, home and the wider community.

Preparing Students for Life After School

For students in Years 11 and 12, the Support Unit places a strong focus on preparing students for life beyond school.

Students are supported to explore and apply for suitable TAFE courses, vocational education and training (VET), employment opportunities and other post-school pathways based on their individual strengths, interests and goals.

Our Work Experience Program provides opportunities for students to develop practical employment skills and gain an understanding of workplace expectations. Students may participate in work experience within the school and in the wider community, developing:

• Workplace communication skills
• Teamwork and cooperation
• Time management
• Work routines and responsibilities
• Independence and confidence
• Practical employment skills

Through these experiences, students are encouraged to become more independent and confident as they prepare for successful transitions into further education, training, employment and community participation.

Clubs and programs

The following clubs and programs provide students with opportunities to develop practical, social and independent living skills:

• Lego Club
• Inspire Café
• Mobility and Community Access Program
• Support Unit Camp
• Work Experience Program
• Coffee Club
• Gardening and Greenhouse Club

These programs provide authentic opportunities for students to practise communication, teamwork, problem-solving, independence and community participation in supportive and engaging environments.

For further information about the Support Unit, clubs or programs, please contact Ms Saleh.

Want to get started accessing support?

If you think your child could benefit from our support unit, please contact our school office or learning support team.

Contact us