Diversity Education: A Life Skills Pathway
Students who access the Diversity Program undertake programs of work across a range of courses. These courses offer an engaging curriculum that is personalised to meet the needs of each participating student.
As appropriate, students will participate in the programs below.
Literacy and Numeracy
Our functional English and Maths programs are the foundation of our curriculum. Students are taught knowledge and skills that they will require throughout their lives to live and work as confidently and independently as possible. Students are given opportunities throughout our programs to practise, refine and develop their skills through a practical, hands-on approach.
Community Access Program
The weekly Community Access Program offers the students opportunity to engage with their local community. Under the care and guidance of the staff, this program assists the students to develop skills, knowledge and understanding across the following areas:
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- Commuting effectively and safely
- Public transport training
- Protective behaviours
- Communicating effectively with others
- Organisational and problem-solving skills
- Road safety skills
- Planning a journey
- Appropriate social behaviours
- Money management skills
- Purchasing items
- Locating items
As examples, students may access the following locations:
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- Local Shopping Centre
- Bank
- Library
- Café
Enterprise Program
The Enterprise Program runs several initiatives simultaneously throughout the year. The purpose of this program is to teach the skills and understanding around planning and managing a business, as well as customer service and financial skills.
Western Suburbs Newspaper Delivery
Select students fold, pack and deliver the Western Suburbs Newspaper within the local community on a weekly basis.
Craftworks
Students participate in creating, designing, decorating and packaging occasional cards, gift tags/bags, bookmarks, and a range of other items for sale within the local community.
Cheese Boards
In collaboration with the Materials Design Technology staff, the students are given the opportunity to design and make cheese boards to sell within the local community.
Independent Living
Across the week students participate in activities that will educate them on the processes involved in living independently. Organisation, planning and problem solving are skills integrated and developed throughout this program. Students engage in life skills training carrying out a variety of practical tasks such as:
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- Shopping
- Cooking
- Cleaning
- Personal Care
Music Program
Throughout the week the students are involved with music. The classroom program endeavours to offer the students the opportunity to engage with pop culture and experience music in general. Students can be seen most days, singing, dancing, creating and playing percussion to all types of music. Each session has an element of mindfulness and meditation, encouraging an inner peace to enhance wellbeing. Once a week the students participate in the Music Rocks program which enables the students to work as a team, play instruments and perform confidently as a band on stage in a public arena (if they so choose).
Preliminary Units
Preliminary courses are school-based courses that provide opportunities for practical and supported learning. They acknowledge the broad range of abilities of students with diverse learning needs and the need for adapted approaches to teaching and learning.
Students may undertake Year 11 and 12 preliminary courses in:
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- Religion and Life
- Visual Arts
- Materials Design and Technology (Wood)
- Food Science and Technology
- Health and Physical Education Studies
Social and Emotional Wellbeing
Student safety and wellbeing features predominantly throughout our program. We aim to educate students in developing meaningful relationships and fulfilling friendships. Students learn social cues, emotional/self-regulation, maintaining safety within society including an understanding of protective behaviours, road safety, and household safety. Leisure activities for wellbeing, recreation and social development feature as part of our program.
Work Experience
The students undertake employment training in a variety of work placements to develop skills required by the workforce. Together, parents, staff and students (where possible) discuss employment options taking into consideration student strengths, abilities and needs. Work experience hours are increased during Years 11 and 12 to prepare the students for future employment.
Extra-Curricular
Throughout the year the students participate in sporting activities where they have the opportunity to socialise and compete with students from other schools. Over the years the students have developed friendships that continue after school.
NAS Sport
The students have the opportunity to participate in the NAS No Limits Sporting Program. Students participate in scheduled basketball and soccer games throughout the year.
Trampolining
The program offers participants the opportunity to develop skills in strength, mobility, flexibility, coordination and communication all whilst having FUN!
For further information, please contact:
Antonia Johnstone
Leader of Education Support
Antonia.Johnstone@newman.wa.edu.au
Tel. 9204 9466