A specialised, liberating education

Navigating education options is difficult and when you have a child with special needs, finding the right education setting can be daunting.

Navigating education options is difficult and when you have a child with special needs, finding the right education setting can be daunting. Many families seek a learning environment that develops an end-of-school imperative – their child’s independence. They want their child to be safe, happy, challenged and have the capabilities and confidence to live as independent a life as possible. At St Edmund’s, we call this a Liberating Education.

Our classes are small, staff ratio is high, and the delivery of education is differentiated so that students realise their full potential. We build social awareness, communication skills, safety and wellbeing into their comprehensive educational programs. An Eddie’s education enhances each student’s capabilities. Our college is imbued with the character of an Edmund Rice Education that prioritises dignity, dialogue, and solidarity. Our community enthusiastically co-creates the learning conditions, dispositions and relationships that enable confidence and agency. We promote community, advocate for disability, and embrace educational challenges with optimism, patience and expertise that deliver tangible outcomes and hope.

We provide specialised education. Our students are special because they are courageous, joyous young people bursting with talents. Our staff are special, in the way they care, their expertise and their dedication to genuinely knowing each child and how to support them. Our families are special, in the love and advocacy they provide. Our community is special, in their enthusiasm, tenacity, and kindness.

Special schools are special places to learn and work and are the benchmark for excellence in education that other schools aspire to provide. Our college is a community focused on inclusion, connection and relationships. Everyone with children who have attended a school, have surely appreciated having a choice. Variety exists for good reason and St Edmund’s is proud to provide a tailored option for those with special educational needs.

FACT FILE

WHO WE ARE
St Edmund’s College provides a dynamic, faith-based environment for high school students with intellectual disability, sensory impairment and autism. Our teachings are based upon the Charism of Blessed Edmund Rice, who believed that all children should receive quality education. Everything at St Edmund’s is designed to teach, nurture and challenge our students. Our program provides a broad curriculum rich in opportunities.

LEARNING
St Edmund’s have been delivering best practice special education for 70 years. Learning programs are holistic and encourage students to develop lifelong skills and authentic relationships so that they can live and work independently post school. The college is committed to quality teaching and research-based educational programs, with students enjoying a rich learning experience in carefully planned, recently-renovated buildings equipped with the latest technology. Study consists of both NESA-developed and college-developed courses that have been designed to meet the specific needs of students. The college uses the “Liberate” approach; quality teaching using differentiated and blended learning in an inclusive environment. Students enjoy small class sizes and a rich curriculum across a timetabled week delivered by qualified teaching staff. Our speech pathologists and occupational therapist bring specialised knowledge and work with teachers to support students’ learning. Our extensive senior program includes CAFS, hospitality, retail and work experience.

WELLBEING
We encourage positive behaviour and respectful relationships, building social and emotional skills in a supportive environment. Our Pastoral Care Program is based on a framework that includes self-awareness, self-management, social awareness, relationship skills and decision-making. Rich learning opportunities outside the classroom give students the opportunity to express themselves, provide a sense of achievement and access to the community. These include camps, retreats, carnivals, the sacramental program, discos and performance opportunities. St Edmund’s builds strong relationships and creates meaningful connections among our families and staff. The result is a caring community with a sense of belonging and a commitment to providing the best experience for our students.
For more, visit stedmunds.nsw.edu.au