Special Education Unit

The Tamborine Mountain Special Education Unit at Tamborine Mt State School also services the Tamborine Mountain State High School.

Aim of the unit

The aim of the unit is to provide educational support to students with disabilities either in the unit or to the regular classroom teacher so that the students can access an inclusive education within their community.

Tamborine State School and State High School is supported by the unit which is based at the State School. Unit staff work across both campuses.

The team

The Team in the special education unit are a dedicated group of professionals headed by the 'hoses' (Head of Special Education Services) and supported by a special education teacher. The unit is also staffed by several teacher aides who assist the teaching staff to run educational programs in the unit as well as supporting students in their class.

Who do we support?

At present the special education unit supports students ascertained with Autistic Spectrum Disorder (ASD) and Intellectual Impairment (II). Also students with Speech Language Impairment (SLI) and Physical Impairment (PI) attend the school and are supported by the unit as well as their designated visiting specialists.

Student's current and future needs and aspirations are addressed through Individual Education Plans and Personal Future Action Plans (High School year 11). These are developed collaboratively in a supportive and caring environment with the student (where appropriate), parent/guardian, specialist support services, guidance officer and teacher.

Primary school

At the State School we have students in a variety of programs to fit their learning needs. Most of the students are in class and have support in specific curriculum areas. Some students stay in the unit full time but mostly we see students coming into the unit on a regular basis as decided by the class teacher, parents, specialists and the unit staff.

By year 7, terms three and four concentrate on introducing students to the State High School. A program is devised that will aide a smooth transition into year eight.

High school

At the High School an SEU teacher delivers modified maths and English programs to special needs students in a withdrawal class. The students are supported in regular class by a teacher aide in all other subjects. Sometimes a completely modified program is devised based on the student's level of need.

By year 11 the focus for the team supporting students with disabilities is to plan a curriculum that will support the needs of the students into adult life:

  • Transition planning
  • Vocational Education Training
  • Work Experience Programs (on and off campus)
  • Employment support services

VET courses

  • Business & Computer Studies
  • Communication
  • Design and Visual Communication
  • Hospitality
  • Trade and Business Maths