Additional learning support

At Irrawang High School, we ensure every student is ready to learn. We support students with disability and additional learning needs so they can take part in all areas of school life. You do not need a formal diagnosis for your child to receive support in a mainstream class. Support can begin at any stage of school.

Support that fits your child's needs

Additional Learning Support

Some students need extra support to feel confident and achieve their best at school. At Irrawang High School, we work closely with families to create support plans and adjustments tailored to each child’s needs.

Additional learning support can include:

• Collaboration with families: Teachers and support staff work together with families (and students, if needed) to ensure each child’s learning needs are understood and met.
• EAL/D support: Specialist assistance for students learning English as an additional language or dialect.
• Programs for high potential and gifted learners: Tailored learning opportunities to support advanced learning needs.
• Targeted literacy and numeracy support: Small group tutoring for students who need focused assistance.
• Regular progress check-ins: Ongoing reviews to update and adjust planned supports as needed.

Classroom adjustments may include:

• Accessible learning environments to meet diverse needs.
• Assistive technology to support participation and learning.
• Instructional modifications such as extra guidance, simplified content, or different lesson focus.

Assessment adjustments may include:

• Extended time for tasks.
• Simplified language for instructions or questions.
• Breaks during tasks to support concentration.
• Alternative task formats, such as oral presentations instead of written work.

We identify when a student needs help by:

• Teacher observations of changes in learning or behaviour.
• Reviewing assessment results and learning progress.
• Input from parents and carers raising concerns or requesting support.

Adjustments are planned with parents and carers. They are reviewed regularly and changed when needed.  If you think your child may need extra help, contact us.

Supportive and Inclusive Learning

Support classes offer a variety of individualised programs with teachers qualified and willing to teach students with additional needs, along with a School Learning Support Officer (SLSO) in each class. The role of a support class is to facilitate the learning of a student with disabilities in a specialised setting, designed to cater for their specific learning needs.

Students placed in support classes will have Personalised Learning and Support Plans developed in consultation with the student, parent/caregiver, and key stakeholders. This plan is the basis for development of the student’s pattern of study and cater for their educational and vocational needs. All plans are reviewed annually to cater for students changing needs.

Students within the faculty participate in a range of learning opportunities including lessons to develop their living and work experience skills in both school and the community.

Students from the Support Faculty classes have completed some fantastic cubist style artwork after learning about Pablo Picasso. The students expressed their individuality and passion in their artwork, and everything from sleek F18 aeroplanes to brightly coloured dirtbikes

Students have been learning about post war culture in their History classes, with a focus on the style of homes, furniture, fashion and family life of the 1950s.

Students visited Fighter World at Williamtown for their community access program, enjoyed a hands-on and enriching learning experience.

The students also had the chance to engage with a cutting-edge flight simulator, creating an immersive experience for everyone. This outing not only deepened their understanding of aviation history but also helped them build practical skills and gain confidence in a real-world environment.

Return to School centre

The Return To School Centre is a Department of Education initiative to support the successful return to schooling of students from Year 5 to Year 10 on long suspension.

The Raymond Terrace Return to School Centre located on the grounds of Irrawang High School is an intervention program for students who are on long suspension and have been identified by their school as being likely to benefit from a structured program to assist their successful return to school.

Learning and Support Team

At Irrawang High School, our Learning and Support Team ensures every student gets the help they need at the right time. The team works closely with families, teachers, and support staff to:

• Understand each student’s needs – identifying strengths, challenges, and learning requirements.
• Plan adjustments and supports – creating tailored strategies to help students succeed.
• Monitor progress – regularly reviewing outcomes to ensure support is effective.
• Connect with additional services – linking students and families to external support if needed.

Our Learning and Support Team may include:

• Learning and Support Teachers – specialists in academic support strategies.
• School Learning Support Officers – assisting students with targeted support in the classroom.
• School Counsellors – providing guidance and emotional support.
• School Psychologists – supporting mental health and learning needs.
• Student Support Officers – helping students engage with school programs.
• Itinerant Teachers – specialists for vision or hearing support.
• EAL/D Teachers – assisting students learning English as an additional language or dialect.
• Aboriginal Education Officers – supporting Aboriginal students’ learning and wellbeing.
• Community and Home School Liaison Officers – linking families, school, and community services.

Contact us to meet with a member of this team to talk about your child’s strengths, interests and areas where they may need support.

Have a question about learning support?

We’re here to talk through your options. Contact us to speak with the principal or learning and support team.

Contact us