There is respectful debate on whether a child with special needs should, attend a mainstream school, a special unit within a mainstream school or a school dedicated to special education. We are fortunate in Australia that families have options that can provide the best educational fit for their children.
Navigating education options is difficult for all families and when you have a child with special needs, the task of finding the right education setting can be daunting. Education options for these families are limited in number compared with mainstream. Many families seek a learning environment that develops an end-of-school imperative – that is – their child’s independence. They want their child to be safe, happy, and appropriately challenged at school, and most importantly have the capabilities and confidence to live as independent a life as possible. At St Edmund’s College, we call this a Liberating Education.
Special schools are blessed with compassionate, dedicated and professionally trained staff who nurture the best outcomes for each young person. The classes are small, the staff ratio is high, and the delivery of education is differentiated so that all students can be appropriately challenged and realise their full potential. Special schools build social awareness, communication skills, safety, and wellbeing into their comprehensive educational programs. The education provided is tailored to enhance each student’s capabilities, confidence, and independence. Our College is imbued with the distinctive character of an Edmund Rice Education that prioritises dignity, dialogue, and solidarity. Our community enthusiastically co-create the learning conditions, dispositions and relationships that enable, confidence, agency, and freedom. We promote community, advocate for disability, and fully embrace educational challenges with optimism, patience, and expertise that deliver tangible outcomes and hope.
Special schools provide specialised education. Our students are special because they are courageous, joyous young people bursting with talents. Our staff are special, in the way they care, their expertise and their dedication to genuinely knowing each child and how to support and challenge them. Our families are special in the love and advocacy they provide for their child, other children, and the school. Our community is special in the way they support each other, their enthusiasm, tenacity, and kindness. Our friends and partners are special, in their generosity, and advocacy for our students, providing friendship and nurturing growth – inclusive of their own growth.
Special schools are special places to learn and work and they are the benchmark for excellence in education that other schools aspire to provide.
You couldn’t possibly consider the breadth of disability and conclude that every child’s needs will be met in one educational setting.
Disability is not a singular thing; it cannot be contained in a brick. Disability doesn’t have clearly defined proportions. Disability is nuanced. It’s irregular. It can be subtle, and it can be ‘in your face’ – it can be quiet and loud – it’s bolshie and agreeable. Disability is ability, achievement, and joy. It’s textured, layered coloured and flavoured like a Master Chef creation.
Our College is explicitly not another brick in the wall – it’s a community focused on genuine inclusion not the illusion of inclusion. It is the opposite of segregation. St Edmund’s is distinctly about connection and relationships.
Everyone who has children who attend or have attended a school, has surely appreciated having a choice between a public, private or independent school. Between single-sex or co-educational. Maybe a school focused on sports development or the performing arts. A faith-based school or not. Schools dedicated to academic performance, trade schools, online schools, the school down the road. Variety exists for good reason and St Edmund’s College is proud to present an option catering to those who have, or are, a child with special educational needs.
Please book your campus tour here to learn what makes our College so extraordinary
