Verney Road School (VRS) is a state government educational facility in the North Eastern Victorian regional city of Shepparton. Students at the school are funded under the Program for Students with Disabilities (PSD) and have a mild to profound intellectual disability. Many students have multiple diagnoses of disability which may include Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD), Down Syndrome, Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD), associated impairments such as sensory and physical impairments and/or challenging behaviours.
Students’ ages range from three to eighteen years of age. The school has an Early Education Unit and three school aged sections: Early, Middle and Senior Years.
Current enrolments are 250, which includes 21 Early Education students. Nearly 70 percent of our students travel to school on our contact buses. Our Designated Transport Zone covers a wide area including Euroa and Violet Town, Numurkah and Katunga and as far west as Nathalia.
Verney Road School operates within four units: Early Years (5-8 year olds), Lower Middle Years (9-12 years), Upper Middle Years (13-15 years), and Senior Years (16-18 years). Each unit is led by a non-teaching Leading Teacher.
We also have an Early Education program for students from 2.8 – 5 years. Over the last few years, the student enrolment has steadily increased. Facilities and programs at the school are being implemented to meet the growing demand.
In 2022, there is a total of 26 classrooms with an average class size of 9 students. We also have an Allied Health Team, which includes Occupational Therapy, Speech Therapy, Physiotherapy, Psychology, Massage, Mental Health Practitioners, and specially trained Education Support Staff to deliver a range of programs and supports across the school.
Currently, our total number of staff is 108. Our curriculum is varied and strongly grounded in our belief that every child can learn. We aim to support our students to be as independent and likable as possible.
In Early and Middle Years, the curriculum is based on the Victorian Curriculum. We have Learning Specialists who support our classroom teachers in English, Communication, Mathematics, and Inclusion (ASD). Our curriculum also provides music, physical education, and art as specialist programs. Our Senior Years follow the VCAL Curriculum and focus on developing pathways for the future. Every student at VRS leaves with a developed pathway such as further study at TAFE, work, or apprenticeships while others attend Connect GV or Shepparton Access.
Development and support of teacher practice is monitored through the Performance and Development process for teacher practice. We have a VRS instructional model which is used to clearly identify expectations. Established routines are a vital part of daily teaching at VRS and a timetable of the day is displayed.
Visual cues are used in every lesson and highlight the importance we place on Augmentative and Alternative Communication (AAC). Our Wellbeing Team includes a social worker and a Parent Liaison ES. This latter role was developed to support our families in transitioning to the NDIS, but further supports families in a range of ways including transitions and medical needs.
We are dedicated to both student and staff wellbeing as reflected in our current Strategic Plan.
Be Safe. Be Respectful. Be Responsible. Be a Learner.
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