Bendigo Special Developmental School

The Bendigo Special Developmental School (Bendigo SDS) provides education programs for school aged students with a moderate to severe intellectual disability, who reside in the Bendigo Region, extending to Kyneton, Wedderburn, Castlemaine, Maldon and Heathcote. The current enrolment is one hundred and twenty-one students. The school is located cent... rally in Kangaroo Flat (which is a new school building, completed in August 2006) allowing students ready access to community facilities. Bendigo SDS has a 22 Teaching staff, 37 Assistant Teaching staff, 3 Administration staff, 4 Therapists, a Principal and an Assistant Principal. The school is divided into Units: Early Years (7 Rooms), Middle Years (5 Rooms) and Later Years Advance (5 Rooms). There are Multi/High Needs Groups within each of these Units. Each Unit has a Coordinator. The school structure is based around several collaborative teams: Operations Team, Consultative Committee, SSO Meetings, Professional Learning Teams, Staff Meetings/Professional Development, Unit Meetings, and Administration Meetings. The school is currently reviewing curriculum, assessment and reporting in line with the VELS structure. Specialised curriculum addresses physical, sensory, social, emotional, behavioral and intellectual needs of all students. Each student has an Individualised Learning Plan. Curriculum is delivered through a wide range of resources and facilities. Classrooms are stimulating and well equipped with an extensive range of educational equipment and communication aids. An in-ground trampoline, spa room, gymnasium and extensive bicycle track with a range of adapted bicycles, specialised therapy room and equipment and year round access to hydrotherapy facilities, enrich programs. Student health and safety is paramount and is constantly monitored through a grounds master plan that maintains a secure and stimulating outdoor environment, with challenging play equipment and shadeport sun protection. The development of play areas in the Later Years (Advance) and the ...Read More