Yarraville Special Developmental School Embraces Innovation
Students from Yarraville Special Developmental School have tapped into the latest technology, iPads. The interactive technology opens up a range of possibilities for students with special needs.
School Principal, Allan Cleland explained how iPads present exceptional learning opportunities for students as teachers are discovering a wide array of useful apps. “Combining traditional techniques with the use of iPads is really helping our students progress faster. iPads are extremely beneficial as it is a fantastic way for students to engage with learning,” he explained.
Yarraville Special Developmental School teaches students aged from 5 to 18 years with intellectual and multiple disabilities in the range of moderate to severely profound. With a multidisciplinary approach, the school offers three professional learning teams which equate to junior, middle and senior.
The core focus of Yarraville Special Developmental School is to improve the communication of students and teach essential life skills. “Three quarters of the enrolment are students on the autism spectrum and so I think developing communication is really the most important factor. Each of our groups also has one community integration activity a fortnight and that is linked into the classroom activities,” Allan said.
A significant project is underway to further enhance the school as plans are in place to create an undercover outside area. This will benefit medically at risk students who because of cold, windy, misty conditions are sometimes supervised in the classrooms. “The space will be used to provide additional learning spaces, physical activities or hide-out space for students. These additional spaces are important for students who need time away from the classroom, especially when their increasing anxiety levels interfere with their ability to learn. We need to raise approximately $10,000 for a grant and equiptment,” he explained.
Allan has clearly found his professional niche. “I love how every day and every hour is different. While my role can be challenging at times, the outcomes are extremely rewarding,” he said.
