WEMBLEY DOWNS PRIMARY SCHOOL

Students at Education Risk

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The SAER Policy at WDPS aims to support students who face challenges that impact their learning. The goal is to help these students achieve their full potential through educational programs and support.

 

SAER Definition: Students whose academic, physical, social and/or emotional attributes are a barrier to engagement with the content and standards defined in the Western Australian Curriculum.

 

Support Structure:

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• Student Services Team: Includes the Phase Deputy Principals, School Psychologist, and School Chaplain. We use a collaborative approach involving key stakeholders and external agencies. 

• Identification: Teachers use data such as NAPLAN, PAT, On Entry, to identify students who may be at risk and implement strategies to support students.

• Consultations: Case Conferences or Parent Meetings are organized to discuss and plan for the needs of students at educational risk. Referrals to outside agencies may be discussed. 

• Monitoring: Plans and progress are regularly reviewed through data analysis and our school SAER tracker.

 

Literacy Intervention Program

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WDPS has a literacy intervention program based on the Sounds Write approach. This program identifies students who need additional support in literacy and provides targeted interventions to improve their reading and writing skills.

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Documented Plans

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Individual Education Plans are developed for students requiring substantial or extensive adjustments ONLY. Teachers record quality differentiation teaching strategies or supplementary adjustments made for SAER students in the classroom. Other plans include Behaviour Support Plans (BSP) and Attendance Improvement Plans (AIP).

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Disability Funding

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WDPS can apply for disability funding for students with conditions such as autism spectrum disorder, hearing impairments, intellectual disabilities, physical disabilities, severe medical conditions, severe mental disorders, and vision impairments. Funding is allocated based on the severity of the diagnosis and the level of required adjustments. This funding is allocated to the school and can be used for:

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• Physical resources like equipment or learning tools.

• Time for staff to plan curriculum adjustments and update IEPs.

• Collaboration with families during case conferences.

• Professional learning and training for staff.

• Support for targeted intervention programs.

• Education assistants, occupational therapists, and speech therapists.

• Emotional and social support through the School Chaplain program.

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Extension Opportunities

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At our school, we believe in nurturing the unique abilities and potential of every student. Our approach to extension is designed to provide high potential learners with opportunities to excel and achieve beyond the standard curriculum. We are committed to fostering an environment that encourages intellectual curiosity, critical thinking, and a love for learning.

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Core Principles

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Student-Centered Approach:

• We prioritise the individual needs and strengths of our students. By identifying high potential learners through comprehensive assessment tools such as the Maureen Neihart & George Betts Identification Profile Matrix and PEAC testing, we tailor our teaching strategies to support their growth.
   

Challenging and Engaging Curriculum:

• Our curriculum incorporates advanced content and differentiated instruction to challenge students and keep them engaged. We utilize Bloom's Taxonomy, 21st Century Learning Design, and ICT integration to create a dynamic learning environment that promotes higher-order thinking skills.
   

Inquiry-Based Learning:

• We encourage students to explore their interests through inquiry-based learning and open-ended tasks. This approach fosters independence, creativity, and problem-solving skills, preparing students for future academic and personal success.

 

Competition Opportunities:

• We provide a variety of extension opportunities to broaden students' experiences and challenge their abilities. These opportunities include participation in external competitions such as the Spelling Bee, Keen2STEAM, Cranium Challenge and Rotary Four Way Public Speaking Competition. Additionally, we offer specialized programs and projects that allow students to delve deeper into subjects of interest and develop their skills further.
   

Continuous Improvement:

• We are committed to ongoing evaluation and improvement of our extension opportunities. By monitoring student progress through NAPLAN, PAT assessments, and other testing tools, we ensure that our strategies are effective and aligned with our goals. Regular reflection and goal setting help us to adapt and enhance our approach to meet the evolving needs of our students.
   

By embracing these principles and goals, we aim to cultivate a community of learners who are confident, capable, and inspired to reach their full potential.​​​