Additional learning support

At Bourke Street Public School, we recognise that being ready to learn takes many forms. As a mainstream school, we support students with disability and additional learning needs to learn alongside their peers and participate in all areas of school life. A formal diagnosis is not required for support to begin, and reasonable adjustments are developed in consultation with students, families and relevant professionals.

For some students, families may wish to explore a specialist setting, such as a support class (special education class) or School for Specific Purpose (special education school). These settings offer tailored teaching, environments and additional support. In these circumstances, Bourke Street staff work with families and the NSW Department of Education to explore appropriate options and placement pathways.

Support that fits your child's needs

Some students need extra support to feel confident and do their best at school. We work closely with families to make support plans and adjustments that suits each child’s needs.

Additional learning support can include:

• teachers and support staff working together with families (and students, if needed)
• specialist support for students learning English as an additional language or dialect (EAL/D)

• providing tailored programs to help high potential and gifted students with their advanced learning needs

• small group tutoring to provide targeted literacy and numeracy support for students

• regular check-ins to review and update the planned supports

• changes to the classrooms:

  • accessible classrooms
  • assistive technology
  • instructional resources

• extra guidance, simpler content or different focus during lessons

• assessment adjustments:

  • more time
  • simpler language
  • breaks during tasks
  • different ways to complete a task (e.g. oral presentations instead of written tasks).

We know when a student needs help when:

• teachers notice changes in learning or behaviour
• reviewing assessment results and learning progress
• parents and carers raise concerns or ask for 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.

Learning and support team

Our learning and support team helps make sure students get the help they need at the right time. The team works with families, teachers and support staff to:

• understand each student’s needs
• plan adjustments and supports
• monitor progress
• connect with other services if needed.

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.

School Psychologist

The school's learning support team includes the school psychologist. The school psychologist provides assistance and advice to the learning and wellbeing team. Under certain circumstances, they may assist with learning and behavioural assessments.

School psychologists can provide short-term counselling support to students with school based issues. Our school psychologist is unable to provide clinical support or therapy.

Parents can contact the school on the link below to request a referral to the school psychologist. School counselling is a confidential in nature.

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