The key to success in developing positive and independent deaf and hard of hearing children and adolescents, is to ensure a variety of techniques, resources and method of communication can be accessed. Achievements made through early intervention can be maintained and growth continued as students move through the different stages of their primary and secondary school years with the right services, equipment and staff available as needed.
Teachers of the Deaf
Our 22 Teachers of the Deaf are experts in their field with degree or master’s qualifications in Deaf Education. Optimum levels of support is made possible through our low ratio of teachers to students. Our Teachers of the Deaf plan and deliver the curriculum , provide pastoral and wellbeing support and work collaboratively with mainstream classroom teachers to plan accessible learning experiences while differentiating for our student’s needs.
Notetakers/Captioners
Notetakers and captioners support secondary students in classrooms by capturing and typing notes of key information teachers and other students speak so our deaf and hard of hearing students can easily refer back to when revising their learnings. Our captioners also add captioning to pre-recorded lessons and video resources such as Edrolo.
Audiologists
Hearing Australia audiologists visit the St Mary’s College campuses regularly maintaining ear health, listening devices and provide advice and guidance to teachers and students in managing their diverse listening needs in different environments.
Speech Pathologists
Our campuses provide speech therapy based on identified student needs and can be organised at pre-arranged times throughout the school day. Our speech pathologists also work closely with our Teachers of the Deaf and plan language and literacy extension and social skills programs.
Educational Support Staff
Our team of educational support staff provide individual assistance to students with specific needs. This may include physical needs, emotional support, organisational support, guidance with learning tasks, note taking and Auslan interpreter support services.
Resources
Our learning spaces and the majority of our partner school classrooms are fitted with Roger Soundfield speakers, transmitters and wall pilots making accessing digital listening seamless. New learning spaces in our partner school buildings are acoustically treated and students are supported to learn and integrate technology such as live captioning through Caption Connect and conference mics into their class activities.
