Special Programs:

Adaptive Education

The Adaptive / Special Education Program at Our Lady of the Sacred Heart College is founded on the
belief that every student is unique and must be part of a learning environment that nurtures individual
potential.
We are committed to providing relevant programs that cater for the needs of individual students at all
stages and in all aspects of the curriculum, thus ensuring success for all.
Here at OLSH the following areas of assistance are offered through Adaptive / Special Education:

• In Class Support
• One to One Support
• Peer Tutoring
• Alternative Subjects and Pathways
• Stage 1 and Stage 2 Community Studies
• Homework Club
• Learning Assistance Program

In Class Support
In Years 8 and 9, Class Support is available from both the Adaptive Education Coordinator and Support
Teachers for two to three lessons each week. This reduces class sizes (as the ratio of students to
teachers falls) and enables all students to have greater access to the curriculum.

One to One Support
One to one support is provided to students who are experiencing difficulties with their studies. During
their support sessions students may choose to work on an individual program devised to develop specific
skills or alternatively, work with a teacher on any curriculum area. Such support is designed to achieve
greater success in all areas of the curriculum.

Peer Tutoring
Throughout the Peer Tutoring program, senior students who have volunteered as tutors are matched to
junior students who wish to spend a little extra time in developing their understanding of subject material
and improving results in their studies.

In the Classroom
In all subjects and year levels, teachers genuinely use a range of strategies and teaching methods to
adapt / modify tasks and activities. This ensures that all of our students engage in their learning and
achieve success at school.

Homework Club
The Homework Club meets throughout the week during allocated times at lunch or after school. The
Homework Club caters for those students who experience difficulties studying at home and would benefit from having a teacher readily available to help with any questions or problems.

Learning Assistance Program (LAP)
The Learning Assistance Program fosters positive partnerships between staff, volunteers and students in
order to create a unique learning environment for all. This unique program relies on the support of
volunteers who work one to one with students, forming friendships, developing self-confidence and
opportunities for success at school.

The broad range of volunteers include old scholars, parents, grandparents and community members and
reflects the sense of community throughout the College. The program is coordinated by Adaptive /
Special Education staff.

ESL

The English as a Second Language (ESL) program at Our Lady of the Sacred Heart College develops
our students’ reading, writing, speaking and listening skills so that they have greater access to both
educational and vocational opportunities.

Local Students
This group includes the daughters of recently arrived and longer-term immigrant families. English may
not be the main language spoken at home.

International Students
These students have chosen to continue their education in Australia after completing a large part of their
schooling in a language other than English overseas.

Assessing ESL Needs

• ESL Scales (Based on the South Australian Curriculum Standards for schools)
• Teacher recommendation.

ESL Program at OLSH College

Years 8 and 9
• ESL Mainstream Support
• Individual / Small Group Support
• Small Group or Whole Class Functional Grammar Workshops

Year 10
• ESL Class
• In Class Support
• Individual Support

Years 11 and 12
• SACE ESL (Restricted)
• SACE ESL Studies (General)
• Individual Support