Ready, set, go! Special school’s preps’ running their own race

From David Attenborough to racing cars – Mudgeeraba State Special School’s newest prep students are larger than life. Meet Oli, Archer and Jarvis:

My First Year project with Mudgeeraba State Special School. 21 February 2023 Mudgeeraba Photo by Richard Gosling

At five years old, Oliver has a certified passion for all things cars. In the seat of his wheelchair, he’s a racing car driver. An educator tips the wheelchair back and Oli’s doing a “sick wheelie”. The sound of car noises sends him giggling.

At Mudgeeraba State Special School, each student is taught and catered to individually with their wants, needs and passions prioritised.

Oliver is one of the new prep students at Mudgeeraba State Special School and loves everything to do with cars. Picture: Richard Gosling

“Oli really loves cars, he loves doing wheelies, he’s super energetic and loves to chat,” Emily Ranalletta, head of curriculum at the school said.

Next to Oliver, fellow prep student Archer chats animatedly with Ms Ranalletta while Jarvis taps away at a book full of pictures and words, using it to tell the educator he enjoys spending time at the school library.

“Archer loves a chat, all things music and loves to sing and dance,” Ms Ranalletta added.

“And Jarvis, he loves David Attenborough, especially the Planet Earth series.”

While each student requires their own special needs, Ms Ranalletta assured that over the course of their school career, every student graduates ‘Ready and Able’.

“We teach all the learning areas with a heavy focus on literacy and communication,” Ms Ranalletta explained.

Archer loves to sing and chat with the school’s educators and his friends. Picture: Richard Gosling

Jarvis is fascinated by the Earth and loves to listen to David Attenborough. He also enjoys spending time at the school’s library. Picture: Richard Gosling

“When we move into the senior school space we teach all of this and we make sure all our students are ‘Ready and Able’ for post school transition.”

Ms Ranalletta, who has been working at the school for almost five years now, said being able to watch the students learn and grow was one of the most rewarding experiences of her life.

“I have been working at Mudgeeraba State Special School since I graduated university,” she said.

“And one day I did a volunteering day here at the school and instantly fell in love. I haven’t left since.

“I love working here, it’s very rewarding – being able to walk into classrooms across the school and see all the amazing learning that is happening is incredible.”

The Gold Coast Bulletin’s My First Year series celebrates your child’s first steps into school.