Learning Diversity

At Stella Maris we recognise that sometimes a student’s academic, physical or social and emotional learning needs can be very different from those of their peers. These differences may relate to:

• cultural background

• socio-economic status

• learning needs

• exceptional ability 

• physical, cognitive, social and emotional or sensory needs.

We value a collaborative approach to student learning and seek effective ways to meet the needs of all learners, so that every student can experience success. The curriculum is differentiated in each classroom to cater for the

individual needs and abilities of all students.

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The Learning Diversity Leader works in collaboration with classroom teachers to develop Personalised Learning Plans for students who require additional support academically, physically, socially or emotionally. Program Support Group meetings, including teachers and parents, meet regularly to develop, implement and monitor the adjustments on their Personalised Learning Plan (PLP) for students as required. ensure that all their needs are met personally, socially and emotionally.

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Intervention programs further assist identified students across the school. The Intervention team works collaboratively with classroom teachers and parents/carers to design and implement intervention that is based on relevant student assessments, is research-based and targets the specific need of the student. Intervention programs are in addition to explicit classroom teaching practice and are designed to provide supplementary exposure to students in a structured and scaffolded manner, ensuring students are provided with multiple exposures and frequent opportunities to develop their skills and build confidence in their abilities.

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Intervention can take place in a one on one setting, in a small group or within the classroom and can include short sprints or longer structured sessions. Intervention is facilitated by our trained intervention staff and supported by our Learning Diversity and Curriculum leaders.

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Some of the intervention programs utilized at Stella Maris include:

• Literacy (Prep – Year 6

• MACQLIT intervention Years 4-6

• Bond Blocks-Mathematics

Our aim in literacy intervention is to accelerate student achievement in literacy to the point where they can maximise their literacy learning and, in many cases, ‘catch up’ to their peers. Our literacy intervention program supports our school’s firm belief that all children must be literate individuals by the time they leave primary school. 

At Stella Maris we work hand in hand with parents and families, as well as external services such as psychologists, speech pathologists, occupational therapists etc. Termly Program Support Meetings (PSG’s ) are held to go through student goals and support each child on the NCCD (National consistent Collection of Data). Consultants from MACS (Melbourne Archdiocese of Catholic schools Melbourne) such as Speech Therapists, Educational Psychologists and Curriculum Advisors can also provide advice on the implementation and monitoring of students with a Personalised Learning Plan.