Graduate Teacher Program

Location Profile

Broadmeadows Special Developmental School provides educational programs for primary and secondary school-aged students with a moderate to severe intellectual disability who may also have sensory, physical impairments and autism spectrum disorder.

The school is a modern purpose built facility located in the Melbourne suburb of Broadmeadows and provides an attractive and safe environment. Learning areas include well-equipped classrooms, dedicated specialist spaces and outdoor learning zones. The school has 2 sites, the main campus in Dimboola Rd and a Sorrento Street campus with students attending from a wide geographical and diverse socio-economic background.

The school has a current enrolment of 340 students. Students attend school daily from 9:00am to 3:00pm.

Eligible school-aged students living within the designated transport zone have access to free transport to and from school.

Curriculum

Programs are delivered within Department of Education guidelines and reflect the Victorian Curriculum. Emphasis is placed on the development of programs that address individual student needs, through Individual Learning Plans. Educational goals and priorities are reviewed every six months. Class groups are comprised of 6-8 students, with a teacher and teacher assistant, to ensure a safe and effective learning environment, where individuals are respected and self-esteem and dignity are strongly advocated. The school has a trans-disciplinary approach to student learning with input from educators, therapists and parents. Teachers case conference students with their allocated Speech Pathologist and Occupational Therapist each week.

Our school philosophy is reflected in its programs and based on the belief that children learn best in a co-operative environment that is happy, challenging, supportive and non-threatening. Broadmeadows SDS has a School Wide Positive Behaviour Program and has developed a school culture that is reflected by the ideals of positive behaviour support.

An emphasis is placed on students attaining skills and knowledge that they will use as young adults when graduating at 18 years of age.

Staffing

The school is staffed with classroom teachers, specialist teachers, literacy specialists, teacher assistants, occupational therapists, speech therapists and physiotherapists. Current staffing includes over 150 staff including a team of 30 plus therapists.

Successful applicants may be required to work at either the Dimboola Campus or the Sorrento Campus which are within a short walk of each other.