School Profile

Halls Head College Education Support Centre was established in 2001 and became an Independent Public School in 2015. We are a small school of 50 – 60 students, who are drawn from the Mandurah area and as far north as Golden Bay, south to Waroona and east to Pinjarra. The Education Support Centre (HHC ESC) enrols students needing intensive support to achieve their educational and or behavioural goals. To be entitled to enrol in our school, students must have an intellectual disability or present with an autism spectrum disorder or mental health diagnosis and a need for the educational services that we provide.

We cater for students from year seven to ten. Our middle school caters for students’ years 7, 8 and 9. Our Seniors Program caters for students in year 10 and offers personalised learning pathways in conjunction with the John Tonkin College Education Support Centre, TAFE, School Curriculum and Standards Authority (SCSA) and local Work Place (WPL) opportunities.

We are proud of our award winning staff and school community. We currently have Two WAESSPA Secondary Teachers of the year and Manager Corporate Services of the year. Our Principal has been recognised nationally with the NEITA Inclusion Award and our school has been recognised with a range of awards acknowledging our successful programs and community partnerships.

Student Support

Our staff structure aims to provide an environment where students feel safe and secure. Pastoral Care of students takes place in and out of classrooms every day and then specifically through our award winning social skills program.

Each class has a Key Teacher and each student has a staff mentor. Teachers and mentors have overall learning and pastoral care for their students. Key Teachers will set up processes for regular contact with parents to discuss their child’s progress. Key Teachers will also meet with parents to formally set up and review goals for their child’s Personalised Learning Plan.

Core subjects, Mathematics, English, Science and Humanities and Social Sciences are taught by the ESC teachers.

Students have opportunities to be included with mainstream students for specialist subjects like Cooking, Fabric Technology, Metal & Plastic Design, The Arts, Dance and Physical Education. Their learning is supported by specialised qualified Education Assistants where appropriate.
The school has implemented You Can Do It (YCDI) (https://youcandoiteducation.com.au/) social skills program to improve the competencies of all our students. We also offer programs in protective behaviours, assertiveness training and anger management as needed.
To assist the school staff in their role there is a number of professionals who also offer student support in the school.

Our school has access to a nurse’s station in the administration block and a part-time nurse is available.

Students have access to a part-time psychologist. Our school psychologist is available for staff and parent consultation or for direct student support. Parents may make appointments through the ESC office for any matters of concern.

Therapists and other visiting specialists will usually work in collaboration with home and school however the school staff, as guided by the therapist, provide therapeutic program delivery in our therapy room as required.

Access

Our school prides itself in being a welcoming and accessible inclusive environment and our staff are happy to make modifications or seek external support where appropriate to support students with a range of disabilities.