AddressNELSON PARK SCHOOL
Nelson Park is a dynamic specialist setting which embraces educational excellence and promotes quality partnerships with home and community.
Nelson Park, established in 1967, caters for students between the ages of 5 - 18 years in the Geelong region with mild intellectual disabilities. Current enrolment at the school is around 360, with a small number of students on part-time placement. There are currently 100 staff including Principal Class Officers, Leading Teachers, Classroom Teachers, Specialist Teachers, Education Support Staff, Wellbeing Officers, administration and therapist staff. The main campus is situated in Bell Park, with a second campus located in Corio.
‘Life-long Learners’ reflects the school’s commitment to optimising the independence of each student. Nelson Park School is dedicated to the development of each student’s intellectual, social and emotional growth. Our primary focus is to enable students to discover their strengths and develop the confidence and skills needed to fulfil their educational and personal potential, both now and into the future.
This means engaging families and the wider community as learning partners in the provision of a diverse, evolving curriculum that inspires passion, supports personal growth and equips students with essential life skills. We empower students to become confident and adaptable life-long learners who are ready to build positive, purposeful futures. The care values of co-operation, learning and effort, respect and community underpin all of the school’s work.
Members of the school community have also developed a set of School Rules for both students and staff which reflect school values. These rules promote a safe and secure learning environment for all.
Nelson Park enhances the wellbeing of its students through the implementation of School Wide Positive Behaviour Supports (SWPBS) and the Berry Street Model of Education – trauma informed practices.
Students are supported within a multi-disciplinary framework that includes parents, caregivers, special trained teachers and assistants, a therapy team, student well-being officers and Disability Agencies. The school also actively promotes and builds quality partnerships with members of the wider community.
Staff at the school have developed a Guaranteed and Viable Curriculum which provides appropriate, challenging and engaging learning opportunities within a safe and supportive environment. It develops in each student the essential skills and knowledge for life and prepares them to function as responsible, productive citizens.
Individual Learning Plans which reflect the Victorian Curriculum and Individual Student Goals are developed each year for all student at Student Support Group Meetings. These meetings are held termly with families to establish, monitor and review achievement against individual goals. The school’s reporting system, Accelerus directly reflects individual student goals.
The school has recently introduced a Whole School Instructional Model for Learning – the Gradual Release Model which allows students to learn through the highly structured approach of “I do, We do, You do” allowing them to develop independence and confidence. Teachers plan curriculum and assess learning collaboratively within Professional Learning Communities to ensure quality curriculum is delivered. A supportive culture of coaching is developing across the school.
The `Starting Right' Program is implemented for the first two weeks at the beginning of each school year. This program is used to establish the culture and environment in each classroom and develop relationships between all class members. Aspects of `Starting Right' are revisited at the beginning of each new term and an ‘Ending Right’ program is implemented at the end of each year to enhance transition for students within and into the school.
The school has four buses that enable transport within the community for life skill development programs.
Nelson Park provides attractive and safe buildings, grounds and equipment that stimulate and enhance a positive working atmosphere for students and staff.
Nelson Park School is committed to safety and wellbeing of all children and young people. This will be the primary focus of our care and decision making.
Nelson Park School has zero tolerance for child abuse.
Nelson Park School is committed to providing a child safe environment where children and young people are safe and feel safe, and their voices are heard about decisions that affect their lives. Particular attention will be paid to the cultural safety of Aboriginal children and children from culturally and/or linguistically diverse backgrounds, as well as the safety of children with a disability.
Every person involved in Nelson Park School has a responsibility to understand the important and specific role that they play individually and collectively to ensure that the wellbeing and safety of all children and young people is at the forefront of all they do and every decision they make.
Prep to 10 Curriculum
Nelson Park implements the Victorian Curriculum which is differentiated to cater for individual students learning styles and needs. The curriculum ensures that all students can achieve positive learning outcomes, build on prior knowledge and skills, and experience success. The curriculum also encourages students to experiment with and explore a wide range of materials, participate in practical activities that teach and reinforce concepts as well as reinforce concepts that can be transferred beyond the classroom.
The Early Years Literacy Program focuses on developing reading, writing and speaking and listening skills through shared and guided reading activities, the use of learning centre activities, handwriting and motor skills and phonemic awareness.
Specialist teaching programs are offered to students in Visual Arts, Design Technology, ICT, Health and Physical Education, Outdoor Education, Performing Arts (music, dance & drama) and Food Technology. Further programming includes Health and Human Relations, Library, Environmental Education, Swimming, Student Representative Council, Speech Therapy, Transition programs, Work Experience, Work Crews and Self Esteem and Enrichment programs.
SENIOR SECONDARY
In Year 10, students complete A Job Well Done in preparation to participate in Work Experience and opportunities to engage in the community. Work experience is offered as a weekly placement over 2 ½ years of senior secondary learning to develop and build skills for students to participate in the work force.
All students participate in the Personal Interdependence Programs (PIPs) over the three years of Year 10-12. This program is aimed at exposing students to employment and pathways options in their community through volunteering and industry exposure, STEM and STEAM opportunities whilst building their resilience and independent living skills.
Victorian Pathways Certificate (VPC)
Nelson Park School’s senior secondary students follow the Victorian Pathways Certificate (VPC). The VPC has been developed by the Victorian Education Department specifically to enable students with disabilities to engage with a fully supported and tailored program to allow them a range of options to work towards their post school pathways. As an applied learning certificate, the VPC teaches skills and knowledge in the context of ‘real life’ experiences. Students apply what they have learnt by doing, experiencing and relating acquired skills to the real-world. It enables flexible, personalised learning where teachers work with students to recognise their personal strengths, interest, goals, and experiences.
Nelson Park School and Northern Bay College work in partnership to operate the Geelong Industry Trade Training Centre to the supports the vocational education development of our students. Students in Year 11 and 12 participate in VET ‘taster’ courses in Hospitality, Automotive and Building and Construction. The school also works in conjunction with a number of external providers to offer our Year 11 and 12 students the opportunity to participate in a School Based Traineeships in Horticulture, Food Processing and Warehousing
