Specific Education

Children with specific educational needs, whether that is a disability affecting their education or a gifted and talented child; all need a specific education suited to their needs in order to achieve their maximum educational outcomes. 

As education is a vital part of every child’s life families with children who have special and or specific educational needs want reassurance that their children are guaranteed the correct support and services available to their unique learning needs.

Areas of Interest:

SSEN:  The Schools of Special Educational Needs provide support for students with disabilities and diverse learning needs through teams of teachers working from the

• School of Special Educational Needs: Disability
• School of Special Educational Needs: Sensory (Vision Education Service and the Western Australian Institute for Deaf Education)
• School of Special Needs: Medical and Mental Health
• School of Special Needs: Behaviour and Engagement

Support is available to both public and private school students. Referrals along with parental consent may be required.

GIFTED AND TALENTED PROGRAMS:  Children with exceptional abilities from country Western Australia who wish to participate in a Gifted and Talented Academic, Arts or Languages Secondary Selective Programs have access to a range of options:

• participate in the Selective Academic Program Online
• attend Bunbury Senior High School or Albany Senior High School (from 2022), our regional schools
• study in Perth and board at City Beach Residential College
• study in Albany and board at Albany Residential College (from 2022, students must live outside Albany).

Further information may be found at this link.

PRIMARY EXTENSION AND CHALLENGE (PEAC) PROGRAMS:  This is a part-time withdrawal program for upper primary school Year 5 and 6 students in public schools. Identified students are selected to participate in differentiated programs offered in a range of delivery modes.

In 2024 the Specific Education Portfolio will focus on issues including: 

• advocate for an increase of specialist services to regional, rural and remote schools.
• advocate ensuring health professionals servicing rural and remote schools are replaced whilst on leave.
• request for the implementation of Autism Specialist Learning Programs be adapted to support geographically isolated students.
• advocate for the introduction of direct speech pathology services in schools.

This portfolio is led by Louise Linke and supported by Chandra Ridley.