Kilbreda College has a well-resourced Learning Diversity Department that caters for the specialised requirements of those students who have been assessed or imputed as having specific learning needs.

Learning Diversity staff work collaboratively with teachers and parents to provide an integrated support network for students with special needs.  They recognise that every student learns differently and may require a more flexible approach. The Learning Diversity staff provide academic or program support that considers the student’s individual learning style so as to facilitate their access to and inclusion in the school curriculum through individual, in class or small group sessions. Targeted intervention programs are possible where the learning needs of the student have been identified by the teachers as requiring considerable support.

In addition to academic support, the Learning Diversity Department also supports students requiring further challenge. The focus of the department is on promoting the growth of the individual student’s skills and abilities as they develop confidence in their own ability to achieve success.

Compass Program

In Semester 2, Year 7 and 8 students with significant learning needs may be invited to join a withdrawal program called ‘Compass’ as an alternative to learning a language.  In Years 9 and 10, students with additional learning needs who are invited to participate in the ‘Compass’ program are withdrawn from one of their elective subjects.

In Years 7 to 9 students take part in a Levelled Literacy Program in ‘Compass’, which focuses on developing the skills that support reading comprehension. Strategies are taught through Direct Instruction and frequent assessment monitors the students’ skill development. The program aims to teach effective reading skills and strategies to locate information in extended texts to show understanding of material read.

In Year 10, ‘Compass’ students develop their literacy skills through a program based on VCE Foundation Literacy curriculum. This program is designed to prepare the students for skills required in the workplace and in the Year 11 and 12 VCAL program.

At all year levels ‘Compass’ supports students in a number of areas, including organisational and time management, study skills, research skills and exam preparation.