HSC at St Edmund’s

The
Catholic Weekly
Online

Sydney
8 February 2004

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HSC at St Edmund’s

Year 11 students in the science laboratory at St Edmund’s School, Wahroonga

By Damir Govorcin

Students with disabilities will be given the opportunity to study for the Higher School Certificate (HSC) in a new program being offered at St Edmund’s School, Wahroonga.

St Edmund’s, a co-educational Catholic school for students with vision impairment and other special needs, has offered an extensive academic and life skill program of study for students in Years 7 to 10 since the early 1950s.

This year, a class of eight Year 11 students with intellectual and sensory impairments will study Board Of Studies-accredited courses in English, mathematics, science, citizenship and society, work and the community, personal development, health and physical education and religious education.

The students will then be able to move on to Year 12 next year.

The principal, Christian Br Cyril Bosco, says the introduction of Year 11 and 12 classes will add an “extra dimension to the school”.

“In most cases we support the integration of students into a regular setting, but when students leave in Year 10 they find it difficult to get a place at a regular school,” he said.

“Students will now be able to complete their HSC in a familiar surrounding, and this will also take the pressure off parents to find another school for their child.

“We have provided the Year 11 students with a new uniform because we want them to feel special.

“We are focusing on the needs of our current students, as well as keeping an eye on the horizon.”

St Edmund’s aims to provide individualised edu cational programs for each student as they strive to attain an accredited qualification.

“I believe one of the tasks of special education is creative problem solving,” said Br Cyril.

“It’s rewarding to see the students learn and self-esteem grow.

“These students know what suffering is all about, but the school is surrounded by positive energy.”

St Edmund’s provides its senior students with access to TAFE courses and work experience opportunities.

In past years, students have participated in Meals on Wheels and worked at the local dry cleaners and McDonalds.

To promote social interaction, the school has a social justice program in which students from a regular school visit once a week to learn about Braille and living with a disability.