Inclusive Practices at Ballarat High School

At Ballarat High School we are committed to embedding a high-quality inclusive education for students with disability and additional needs. An inclusive education system enables all students to be welcomed, accepted and engaged so that they can participate, achieve and thrive in school life.

Inclusive education:

ensures that students with disability are not discriminated against and are accommodated to participate in education on the same basis as their peers
acknowledges and responds to the diverse needs, identities and strengths of all students
occurs when students with disability and additional needs are treated with respect and are involved in making decisions about their education
benefits students of all abilities in the classroom and fosters positive cultural change in attitudes and beliefs about disability, in and beyond the school environment

Some of the programs students have been participating in this year are;

GRIT Re-Cranked Growth Resilience Initiative Teamwork	In the G.R.I.T program students will be restoring outdoor furniture, gardening, and completing woodwork items. We have recently incorporated the Re-Cranked program. This is facilitated by the YMCA and teaches students to service their own push bike, or work on someone else’s, that then is donated. Participating students respond very positively to having this time away from class in a useful and respectful space.
Connect / SAS Program Secret Agent Society	The Connect Program is a class focused on social and life skills. Students undertake tasks such as catching public transport, basic shopping for household items, cooking basic meals, as well as home tasks such as washing, making beds, and cleaning. It also incorporates education on personal hygiene, manners, and other employability and basic living skills.
Personal Training	A qualified PT holds personal training sessions each week at Ballarat High School. This program has provided students the chance to get out of the classroom and work on their strength and flexibility in a supportive and fun environment.
Gymnastics & Fitness	The Gymnastics & Fitness Program compromises Rock Climbing, Parkour, Gymnastics and Group Fitness sessions. These activities are run by qualified and experienced staff at the Ballarat Aquatic and Lifestyle Centre.
RISE	The RISE program is an interactive program blending social emotional learning (SEL) and sport. It offers students the skillset and toolkit to manage stress & emotions from classroom to court. This ultimately further extends into life in a confident, empowering, and resilient way. The Revved-Up SEL module focuses on self-reflection and behavioural change. It's designed to encourage students to be mindful of how they think, feel, and act when they get angry, how they can cool down in challenging situations, and if faced with a situation they can't avoid, how to ensure they and their friends remain safe without intentionally escalating the matter.
Active Regulation	The Active Regulation Program provides a mid-day break for students to engage in physical activity in small groups of 4, playing games such as football, basketball, or four-square.
Art Therapy	The Art Therapy Program provides a safe and creative space for students to express themselves through art. Through the process of creating art, students will learn mindfulness and foster social connections.

Sofia Aleem

Inclusion Co-ordinator

Ballarat High School Newsletter

Issue 10 · 21 Jul 2023

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