Principal's Welcome

On behalf of us all at Jackson School, welcome to our community!

Jackson School is a collaborative learning community for all. We aim to develop independence through safety, respect and responsibility. We aspire to offer authentic, quality educational experiences that develop futures, create opportunities and inspire potential; enabling our students to be valued and contributing members of the wider community. We share and celebrate our successes and achievements.

Jackson School provides a balanced curriculum with a strong focus on Literacy and Numeracy that is differentiated to meet the needs of all students. We are proud to offer a rich and authentic curriculum offering all Victorian Curriculum learning areas. All students have access to an iPad or Tablet Laptop to support and enhance them in their learning . Our school is organised in three learning communities: Junior School (Prep-Year 4), Middle School (Years 5-8) and Senior School (Years 9-12).

Learning opportunities across the school are diverse with our Foundation (Prep-Year 2) students learning through a play-based approach focused around English, Maths, Personal and Social Capability, Health and Physical Education and The Arts. Our students in Years 3 to Year 8 focus on a structure driven by Literacy and Numeracy and influenced by an Inquiry Topic each term based upon the Humanities and Sciences. In Years 9 and 10 students continue their studies in English and Mathematics through our World of Work (Cafe) program that prepares them for their Senior Secondary pathways and future work experiences. Travel Education is explicitly taught in our secondary years with an aim to have students travel independently by Senior Secondary to independently access work education and employment opportunities. Our students take one of two pathways in their Senior Secondary years (Year 11 and 12). VCE – Victorian Pathways Certificate (previously VCAL) supports our students to continue their education after graduating at TAFE, structured workplace learning apprenticeships or those who choose to enter employment. Our ASDAN, an internationally accredited program, offers a higher level of support and develops students’ independent living skills through a range of real-world experiences in the community. All students have access to a range of specialist programs including: Physical Education, Health and Fitness, Visual Arts, Performing & Media Arts, STEM and Design Technology.

Every student at Jackson School is offered the opportunity to learn in small class settings with 12 or less students. A qualified teacher and an education support staff member in each class continually monitor the academic, social, emotional and physical development of each student. Our classroom staff are supported by a large Allied Health, Mental Health and Wellbeing Team of para-professionals including: Speech Pathologists, Occupational Therapists, Social Workers, Mental Health Practitioner, Art Therapists, Behaviour Therapist and Youth Worker. It is our goal for every student to have friends, feel happy and are successful in their schooling with us.

Even though all students have to right to be included and access their local mainstream school, by choosing to enrol your child at Jackson School you are giving your child a specialised and personal learning pathway to their future. By trusting us with your child’s education we are committed to them experiencing success in their learning and providing them with a positive, safe and inclusive learning environment where they will belong and be accepted as member of our school community.

We value and welcome the involvement of parents and carers to ensure all students achieve their potential. This partnership ensures every student graduating from Jackson School experiences a successful post-school pathway and career. We look forward to working with you to enable your child to become a valued and contributing member of the wider community.

Anthony Jackson

Principal