Secondary Years
Secondary Years
English
In secondary classes, literacy instruction is highly individualised and designed to meet each student’s unique communication and learning needs. We focus on building reading, writing, and speaking and listening skills to help students engage more confidently with their world around them. Lessons are hands-on, multi-sensory, and supported with visuals, technology, and Alternative and Augmentative Communication (AAC) methods. Students explore a variety of texts, symbols, and images, learning to recognise, interpret, and respond in ways that are meaningful to them. Oral language and communication development is prioritised, with opportunities to practise in authentic learning environments. Progress is celebrated at every step, building confidence and motivation.
Students are provided with explicit instruction on reading and writing at their point of need each day. Effective literacy instruction is vital in supporting students to develop the skills required to develop skills of independence and autonomy. At Croydon SDS we use a school wide approach to support students to develop literacy skills. We utilise the Comprehensive Literacy framework, an evidenced based approach designed to support the literacy development of students with cognitive disabilities, supporting them to achieve their individual learning goals.
Secondary Years
Mathematics
Maths instruction in secondary classes are practical, engaging, and focused on developing skills students can use in everyday life. We teach number, measurement, time, money, and spatial concepts through real life activities such as cooking, shopping, and community excursions. Lessons are scaffolded; they are broken down into small, achievable steps and supported with hands-on materials, visuals, and technology. Students learn by doing, with opportunities to explore and problem-solve in safe, supportive environments. Mathematics is embedded throughout the day for concepts to be practised in meaningful contexts. Each student’s individual education plan is tailored to their abilities, interests, and goals, ensuring success and progress for all.
Secondary Years
Cross-Curricular Activities
At Croydon SDS, we provide secondary students with rich opportunities to practise their skills across a variety of settings and subjects. Programs such as interschool sports, music, cooking, gardening, and use of ICT encourage creativity, social connection, and independence. We link learning to real-life experiences, including excursions and community programs, for students to apply literacy, numeracy, problem-solving and interpersonal social skills in authentic contexts. All activities are carefully adapted to meet diverse needs, ensuring every student can participate and experience success. This integrated approach helps students make connections across their learning and prepares them for life beyond school.
Senior Secondary
Secondary Years
Senior Secondary
The Victorian Pathways Certificate (VPC) at Croydon SDS provides a flexible and individualised program designed to support Senior Secondary students to build skills for life beyond school.
Learning experiences are tailored to students’ strengths, interests, and abilities, while aligning with the Victorian Curriculum foundation levels A–D and beyond. This ensures that students engage with content that is accessible, meaningful, and relevant to their stage of development. The VPC combines practical literacy and numeracy, personal and social capabilities, and work-related skills, often embedded in real-life and community-based learning. Students participate in applied learning projects and practical activities that reinforce their independence and communication skills. The program fosters confidence, problem-solving, and decision-making while preparing students for a successful transition to post-school careers. Through differentiated teaching and consistent support, every learner is able to experience achievement and progress at their own pace.
At Croydon SDS, we value opportunities to celebrate student voice and leadership. As part of Personal Development, students access a variety of programs, including The Youth Disability Advocacy Service (YDAS), which empowers young people with disabilities to build skills, share their perspectives, and take part in decision-making. By connecting students with YDAS initiatives, we help them see that their voices matter in the wider community. Participation in these programs develops confidence, advocacy skills, and a sense of belonging.
Secondary Years
Senior Secondary
To provide meaningful Work Related Skills, all senior secondary students participate in the A Job Well Done program that is designed specifically for students with disabilities, providing an understanding of workplace rights and responsibilities. By engaging with the modules, students build essential knowledge around occupational health and safety (OHS), which ensures they can participate in work placements with greater confidence and independence.
The program also supports career practitioners and teachers, equipping them with the tools to guide students through the process of preparing for work. The resource includes a general module, as well as five industry-specific modules that align with the type of work experience a student is undertaking.
The Victorian Pathways Certificate (VPC) supports students in their final years of schooling by preparing them to participate in community life with as much independence and autonomy as possible.