Learning

At our school, we follow the NSW curriculum and provide a wide range of tailored learning experiences to meet the individual needs of our students. We understand that building strong foundations in literacy and numeracy is essential for lifelong learning and independence. Our teachers use evidence-based, differentiated teaching strategies and personalised learning plans to support each student’s unique strengths, challenges, and goals.

NSW curriculum

What students learn

Students learn a wide range of subjects in the NSW curriculum. They build skills, think creatively and prepare for life beyond school.

Our learning approach

Our teaching approach at Caroline Chisholm School

At Caroline Chisholm School, a designated school for specific purposes (SSP), we use explicit, tailored teaching strategies designed to support students with moderate to severe learning and support needs. We clearly explain what students are learning, why it matters, and guide them through tasks using step-by-step instruction. Breaking learning into smaller, manageable steps helps build students’ confidence and promotes success.

Our approach is student-centred, inclusive, and practical, meeting each student’s individual abilities, strengths, and goals. We are committed to equity, access, and creating a safe, supportive environment where all students can engage, learn, and thrive.

Our specialised teachers and school learning support officers use evidence-based strategies and participate in ongoing professional learning to ensure best practices in special education.

Key elements of our learning approach include:

• Adapting tasks to meet individual needs
  We carefully modify learning activities to suit each student’s unique abilities, communication styles, and support requirements. This can involve breaking tasks into smaller steps, using visual supports or assistive technology, offering alternative ways to respond or participate, and adjusting the learning environment to minimise distractions or sensory challenges. These adaptations are guided by each student’s Personalised Learning and Support Plan (PLSP), developed collaboratively with families and allied health professionals.
• Hands-on, meaningful learning
  Practical tasks and group activities that develop essential life, communication, and social skills.
• Assistive and adaptive technology
  Tools that support communication, learning engagement, independence, and participation.
• Flexible and individualised teaching
  Instruction and support are tailored to each student’s unique strengths, challenges, and wellbeing needs.
• Strong community connections
  Opportunities for excursions and local partnerships that enrich social interaction and provide real-world learning experiences.

At Caroline Chisholm School, every learning experience is carefully designed to empower students to achieve their best and participate fully in the school community.

Helping students progress

How we support every student’s learning and development

At Caroline Chisholm School, we support students by:

• Regularly monitoring each student’s progress and providing clear, timely feedback adapted to their communication abilities and understanding. For some students who may not understand conventional feedback, we use visual supports, simplified language, gestures, and assistive technology to help them engage with their learning.
• Setting personalised learning goals collaboratively with each student, considering their unique strengths, needs, and ways of understanding.
• Offering extra support through individualised plans and a dedicated team of specialist staff.
• Providing regular progress reports so parents and carers are fully informed and actively involved.
• Delivering targeted literacy and numeracy support in small, supportive groups tailored to individual learning profiles.
• Embedding wellbeing practices into daily learning to promote emotional resilience, social skills, and overall wellbeing.
• Collaborating closely with families to ensure consistent support for learning at school and at home.
• Supporting students through important transitions, such as starting school or moving to new learning stages. We carefully plan these experiences to make sure they are smooth, positive, and responsive to each student's needs.

Learn more about additional learning support at our school.