Welcome to Thrive Academy at Glendale Technology High School
At Glendale Technology High School, our Special Education Faculty is proudly named the "Thrive Academy". Each class within the academy is uniquely named after a gemstone: Onyx, Jade, Ruby, Opal, Emerald, Sapphire, Tiger Eye and Amethyst.
The academy currently encompasses five Multi-Categorial (MC) classes, one Moderate Intellectual/Severe Intellectual (IO/IS) class and two Emotional Disturbance (ED) classes. Each class accommodates a maximum of 7 - 10 students and is supported by a School Learning support Officer. Miss Jamie Wakefield serves as the Head Teacher of the Academy.
Key Learning Areas
Students in our IO, IS or mMC classes typically follow a Life Skills curriculum, with opportunities to engage in mainstream classes and outcomes when suitable. The subjects taught within the academy include English, Mathematics, HSIE and Health. Mainstream staff deliver practical subjects such as PE, Science, TAS and CAPA in specialist rooms. ED students remain with their core teachers for all lessons while having the chance to integrate into mainstream classes where suitable.
Work and Community
In Stage 6, the Life Skills program includes a focus on Work and Community, aimed at preparing students for life after school. This includes access to TAFE courses, excursions to disability career expos and School Leaver Employment Services (SLES) providers, as well as tailored work experience opportunities - supported by a School Learning Support Officer where necessary.
Individual Education Plan/ Individual Transition Plan
All students in the academy follow an Individual Education Plan (IEP). In Term 1 of each year meetings are held with parents, carers and teachers to discuss the IEP. Parents, carers, students and any relevant personnel from external agencies are invited to contribute to these discussions. Goals for the student's academic and social progress are established and reviewed with parents in Term 4.
Year 6 to 7 Transition Program
During Term 4, Year 6 students participate in a transition program designed to ease their move to high school. This program includes multiple visits, allowing students to acclimate to the changes and challenges of high school life. They are integrated into classes and participate in all aspects of academy life, fostering relationships with staff and peers while experiencing high school lessons before entering Year 7.
The Integration Program
When appropriate students are integrated into mainstream subjects, benefiting both academically and socially. They can access any subjects offered by the school if suitable. Many of our students participate in STRIVE electives in Stage 5, with the support of a School Learning Support Officer during the integrated lessons. Some students excel independently due to the inclusion and differentiation provided by our staff.
Cross School Integration
Students engage in mainstream Roll Call, Thursday afternoon Sports, Aboriginal Programs and various whole school events such as Swimming and Athletics Carnivals. They have the opportunity to choose electives that align with their interests and we strive to arrange integration into subjects they are passionate about whenever possible.
Student and Parent Feedback
As many of the people reading this are likely the parents or carers of a student who may one day become a part of Thrive Academy, we thought we should include some feedback from our current or past students and their families:
"All of our childs teachers in Thrive were amazing. the entire team are exceptional in the support they gave her and our family and the compassion with which they give your students and their individual needs."
"I think the community created in the Thrive Academy is overwhelmingly positive and students know they are loved, valued and connected within the community."
"My child had a very unfortunate start to schooling in trying to find the right place for her. To have had high school work out the way it has with the support of Thrive has been amazing. We have been very fortunate to have had this opportunity for her."
"I think the teachers working within Thrive are meticulous in their efforts to communicate with me, the parent, in helping my child work towards his goals and push him into new challenges. I believe his experience within Thrive has been a positive one. I look forward to seeing what he can achieve next year with the support from his teachers. They make an amazing team."
"My child loves school and I think Thrive has a lot to do with that."
"Changed his attitude on life, amazing teachers, forever grateful."
"Best decision I ever made! My child is thriving."
"Teachers are kind and caring and people are kind here."
"I feel less stressed around other students here, a little calmer."
"I like the lunchtime clubs - it gives us time to interact with other teachers."
Learning and Support Teachers (LAST)
Every Student, Every School Learning and Support Program is designed to ensure all students with additional learning and support needs, and/or physical disabilities within a NSW Public School have equitable access to the curriculum. The Learning and Support program has gained momentum at GTHS and is delivering effective and diverse support opportunities to students with varying learning and support needs.
The Learning and Support Teachers (LaST) play a key role in ensuring that the specific learning needs of all GTHS students are met. Students requiring extra support with learning and have differing levels of educational needs, may require various and flexible levels of support, including 1:1 support, small group intensive learning and in class assistance.
The Learning and Support teachers provide support to students within all years, ranging from Intensive Literacy and Numeracy workshops, analysis and remediation with NAPLAN, working with teachers to provide extra support for students with additional learning needs in their class, shared reading groups and disability provisions for the HSC Trial and HSC exams.
We continue to provide exciting and beneficial learning programs and activities to ensure students have equitable access to all curriculum and learning activities.
Thrive Academy Images
