The Aspect South Coast School

Aspect South Coast School offers a range of services to support children on the autism spectrum and their families. It currently caters for approximately 113 students who are supported by a highly dedicated and knowledgeable staff.

Aspect South Coast School has provided specialised autism education programs and services for over 32 years in Wollongong, Shellharbour, Kiama and Shoalhaven. Our school operates from a main site at Corrimal which consists of an administration office and five lower primary classes. The school also has satellite classes which are Aspect run and operated. They are located within the NSW Department of Education Schools based in Barrack Heights and North Wollongong, in NSW Catholic Education Schools based in Albion Park and Unanderra and an Independent school in Farmborough Heights.

Our specialised education program uses the Aspect Comprehensive Approach (ACA) to provide individualised programs that understand, engage and celebrate strengths, interests and aspirations of people on the autism spectrum. Class programs are delivered and supported by a team of teaching and non-teaching staff who continuously improve their knowledge and practice through ongoing professional learning and collaboration with colleagues.

Aspect South Coast School is a Language Acquisition through Motor Planning (LAMP) model classroom school. We have approximately 50 students who are using the LAMP device to assist with more effective communicative interactions. Our school is assisted by a team of Aspect LAMP specialists.

We pride ourselves on working collaboratively with families and work together to promote the potential in each of our students. We also provide support to our families through informal meetings such as “Coffee Mornings”, Grandparents coffee mornings and Dad’s Nights. All families with a child on the autism spectrum are most welcome to attend these sessions.

Aspect South Coast School has an active Parents and Friends (P&F) Association which meets on the last Wednesday of each month and organises events and fundraising opportunities throughout the year.

Our Campuses & Satellite classes

Learn about the South Coast School

Curriculum

Aspect South Coast School is registered and accredited by the New South Wales Education Standards Authority (NESA). Class programs align with the NSW curriculum with accommodations and adjustments made to meet individual needs and to ensure positive learning opportunities. Incorporating the students’ strengths and interests into their learning is an integral element of each class program. Each student also has an individualised plan which outlines their unique profile of strengths, difficulties and learning styles.

Technology

Our school uses technology in a range of ways to complement classroom learning. As with all components of our program this is individualised to the needs of students.

Positive Behaviour Support

Positive Behaviour Support (PBS) is a proactive whole of organisation approach which is an integral part of the school program. PBS understands that challenging behaviour occurs for a reason, and is communicating important information about what the individual needs, wants and how best to support them. PBS also uses evidence-informed practice and data-based decision making.

Enrolment Information Sessions

Information sessions are held on a Tuesday, in the third week of each school term. Prospective parents/carers and their support networks can find out more about the school during these sessions. Families can access these meetings by contacting the school.

Tel: 02 4285 2393 southcoast@autismspectrum.org.au

We’re upgrading our school!

Our South Coast school is undergoing a renovation under the Aspect’s Capital Works Master Plan, Investing in Our Future. The scope of works for the refurbishment includes the addition of two new classrooms, a library, sensory room and a new school hall to allow for indoor recreation activities. All classrooms are undergoing a complete refurbishment incorporating autism-specific design improvements to support sensory requirements in the classroom for our students. Newly landscaped outdoor play areas with new play equipment is also underway.

Once complete the school will have a total of 7 classrooms (up from 4 classrooms) is will be able to accommodate approximately 42 students on the autism spectrum from kindergarten to Year 6. We are also entering into a Partnership with the University of Wollongong in 2023 which will see us having some additional classrooms at the campus.