From the Inclusion Coach
Judy Loudon
We proudly have many diverse students. We are continuing to build staff capacity to identify and support students with gifts/talents. In the last week Angela Lamb (Library Technician) and Natalie Foss (Teacher Aide) have shared their learning from the Gifted Education Mentor (GEM) training with their fellow Teacher Aides. There were many ‘misty eyes’ in the group when we watched the YouTube clip I am Gifted. There is also some other excellent clips on this topic. Thank you to Angela and Natalie for continuing on this learning journey about how we can best support students with gifts/talents in our school- both academically and socially.
One of the programs we have commenced is the Sporting Achievers Program (SAP) which is being organised by Ethan Fleming and Hayden Lawrence. This program offers opportunities for students with gifts/talents in sports/physical education. Ethan and Hayden have provided their free time to support approximately 50 students before school. We are in the process of purchasing 2 removable basketball hoops to support this program. Thank you, Hayden and Ethan, for your endeavours in this area.
Our Support Teacher Literacy and Numeracy, Sandy Chambers, and I met with the Director of School Culture, from the Qld Academy of Science Maths Technology (QASMT) Jane Manwaring. We shared with Jane our Whole School Approach for Differentiation, and how we collect data to inform resourcing and support interventions for students and classes. Jane kindly offered to arrange a Term 4 visit to QASMT at Toowong for some of our students with gifts/talents in the STEM areas.
The Autism Hub has released some excellent YouTube clips to help people understand this disability. These clips have young people themselves talking about their own Autism Spectrum Disorders. Titled ‘Autism Hub Listening to Students Series’ the series includes videos such as What do you want people to know about Autism?
During Term 4 Judy Loudon will be moving to the Head of Department Curriculum role and mentoring an Acting Inclusion Coach. Judy will be taking this opportunity to build a deeper capacity with the Australian Curriculum to continue with maximising progress and improving academic achievement for every student.