Autism Spectrum Australia (Aspect) celebrated new facilities at its Aspect Central Coast Senior College in Terrigal with an opening event on July 20.
The school teaches an autism-specific tailored curriculum, with huge support from the local community.
The Central Coast Senior Campus has seen a refurbishment of all existing classrooms, plus the addition of two new classrooms, all incorporating autism-specific design improvements.
There is also a new outside undercover recreational area for the students, ancillary facilities have been renovated and the carpark has been upgraded.
With 36 enrolled high school students, the substantial renovation provides a supportive learning environment where essential life skills including literacy, numeracy, social and emotional development are taught, along with core NSW curriculum outcomes in a hands-on, strength-centred individual way.
Principal Mark Rudd said the refurbishment was very exciting.
“With a focus on personalised learning and a nurturing community, our senior college will provide a supportive environment where our students can flourish academically, develop their unique strengths and unlock their different brilliant potential,” he said.
“Our school’s ability to expand in so many ways is a testament to the unwavering support of our community.”
The school expressed thanks to: Waratah Education Foundation, VivCourt, CompNow and Financial Reporting Specialists (FRS) who funded a coffee van enabling students to develop skills invaluable for post-school opportunities; Pinoak Fund for contributing to a trip of a lifetime for many of the senior students; Sargents Charity for providing funding for the school’s work education and employment skill program; Apex Foundation for donating funds for an outdoor exercise area and lawnmowing program; and the CommBank Staff Foundation for funding a vegetable garden set up.
“Our teachers are thrilled to see students mature in their learning but also to watch their confidence grow as they step up to new challenges through the array of co-curricular experiences available,” Rudd said.
“For our younger students in Years K–4, Aspect’s educational focus strongly supports students’ social and emotional development and communication needs, based around their strengths; while for our students in Years 5-10 we focus on growing greater independence and building a pathway to post-school opportunities, that may include further education and employment.
“It certainly takes a village, and Aspect Central Coast School is fortunate to have fostered genuine relationships with our community, teachers and families, enabling us to nurture the gifts and aspirations of our exceptional students.”
Student Hannah started at the school in 2020.
She said her favourite space at the school was the chillout room, where she enjoys hanging out on the lounge and beanbags and having some quiet time to relax.
“The teachers are very helpful, more than other schools,” she said.
“They’ll give you more help if you need it and make everything easier for us.
“I’m sad that next year will be my last year; I just really like it here.
“We get lots of good opportunities in work education and agriculture and it’s always so nice here.”
For more information email lcooper@autismspectrum.org.au
Source:
Aspect Central Coast Senior College