GEM (Growing Educated Minds) Academy – Years 7 to 12 (Life Skills pathway)
Our GEM Academy is for students with special needs. We have five special education classes (AU, ED x 2, IO and IM) that have adopted a strength based personlised model. The Big Picture education philosophy is implemented across the GEM Academy where students work on a Personalised Interest Project (PIP) and present an exhibition to their peers, staff and other invited guests at the end of each term.
Students' individual needs are identified including curriculum, social, emotional, transition and cultural and are supported through differentiated teaching and learning programs and the Individual Education Planning process. Students develop general capabilities through a range of different cross curricular subjects including Work in the Community, Thinking Mathematically, $20 Boss, Personal Interest Projects and Kicking Goals.
‘Leaving to Learn’ is a weekly program that involves students leaving the school and accessing a variety of community venues and activities, including libraries, national parks, swimming pools and public parks. This program enables students to learn valuable travel skills, practice functional numeracy and literacy skills, plan and prepare healthy lunches and develop positive social interactions.