Extension and Enrichment
At St Mary’s School we ensure all students are given every opportunity to reach their academic potential. The objective of the extension and enrichment, at all levels at St Mary’s School, is to cater for the specific learning needs of high achieving students. We offer opportunity for academic enrichment and extension, which is exciting, challenging & engaging, and it aims to ensure each student reaches their potential. We also offer enrichment to students who have specific interests and needs.
 
Our extension and enrichment program is designed to respond to individual needs within the parameters of the school’s structure. Extension and enrichment occurs across all areas of the curriculum to students identified by classroom teachers and in the school’s data collection. It is important that our students develop not only skills, but confidence and self-esteem through experiencing success and support. The extension and enrichment program like all areas of the school, contributes to this.
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The objectives of our extension and enrichment program are to:
  • Provide varied and collaborative ways of learning
  • Professionally support all teaching staff
  • Encompass learning that reflects current international research into gifted education
  • Support for the high standards of achievement and academic culture already enjoyed at St Mary’s Parish School
  • Support the differentiated curriculum where possible, providing appropriate curriculum from Prep onwards
  • Monitor the needs (social and academic) of all students
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Learning Support
The classroom teacher is responsible for the education of all students in his/her class utilising the support of appropriate personnel. Support applies to both students who need extension and intervention. Therefore, it may be accessed by students who are high achievers as well as
those who are experiencing difficulty.

The Learning Support Teacher provides collaboration, expertise, resources, testing support, co-ordinates the Learning Support School Officers and acts as case manager for students with individual needs. The Learning Support Program is a valued and effective component of the school curriculum. The program creates a flexible and diverse learning environment.
Student Support Committee
The school has a Student Support Committee for the purpose of considering the needs of students within the school. This committee is reviewed annually and is composed of the following: School Executive members, Learning Support Teacher, teacher of child being reviewed and any relevant person with expertise that is applicable to the case being considered, (A Toowoomba Catholic School’s Office representative
if appropriate). 

This committee also performs the duties of the Enrolment Review Committee. Teachers that feel they need professional support and advice about a student are required to fill out a Student Support Form and identify the behaviours noted. The committee offers advice and these recommendations are implemented by the teacher.
English as a Second Language (ESL)
The school provides support for families who have English as their second language. Families will be supported from the enrolment process through to their transition into the classroom.