Department of Education - Victoria

Southern Autistic School (SAS) is a specialist school dedicated to the education of children with Autism Spectrum Disorder and with significant deficits in language. SAS provides evidence based educational programs to meet the learning needs of children with a diagnosis of ASD. A focus of the current Strategic Plan is making the school a centre of excellence and expertise in the delivery of education for autistic students, with a focus on communication.

The school is located in the South Eastern Region in East Bentleigh with approximately 280 students aged from 3 to 18 years. Classes have six to ten students with all children having an individual learning plan.  Individual Learning Plans are based on the Victorian Curriculum with a focus on developing communication, social interaction, and independence skills.

The class teacher is supported by a teaching assistant. Speech pathologists support the development of individual communication programs and occupational therapists add to the comprehensive educational team. A clinical psychologist, experienced social worker and Mental Health Practitioner work with families and students to further enhance student wellbeing.

At SAS we implement the Victorian Curriculum and enhance our teaching and learning programs through the use of evidence-based approaches and strategies. This includes the implementation of Hanen: More Than Words, LAMP and a structured synthetic phonics approach. Our Secondary Programs provide great vocational education opportunities in addition to the recreation and community access. Our Early Education Program utilises Hanen Strategies, and implements aspects and strategies from the Early Start Denver Model.

There are four sub schools on the same campus each led by a highly experienced school leader. Learning Specialists additionally support the development of teaching and learning programs. Our specialist programs vary across the sub schools however include ART, Media ARTS, Physical Education, Music and Cooking. The Primary aged students also attend a Swimming Program with a magnesium pool on site. The school has undergone recent redevelopment with 2 new buildings including modern facilities opened since 2021.

School Wide Positive Behaviour Support principles and approaches are key to supporting student engagement and data. The school is committed to the development of the whole child and works in partnership with parents. We have a supportive parent community who regularly communicate with staff.

Vision Statement:

The SAS vision for students is to develop lifelong learners who have a sense of belonging and are encouraged to implement their skills and knowledge to make choices and accept responsibility for their decisions. Our SWPBS values are: 'I am Safe, I am a Learner and I Belong.'

 

SC1    Demonstrated knowledge of the relevant curriculum, including the capacity to incorporate the teaching of literacy and numeracy skills. Demonstrated capacity to respond to student learning needs.

SC2    Demonstrated capacity to implement high impact teaching strategies, guided by how students learn, and evaluate the impact of learning and teaching programs on student learning growth. 

SC3    Demonstrated capacity to monitor and assess student learning. Demonstrated capacity to use data to inform teaching practice and to provide feedback on student learning growth and achievement to students and parents.

SC4    Demonstrated interpersonal and communication skills. Demonstrated capacity to establish and maintain collaborative relationships with students, parents, colleagues and the broader school community to support student learning, wellbeing and engagement.    

SC5    Demonstrated behaviours and attitudes consistent with Department values. Demonstrated capacity to reflect upon practice and engage in professional learning to continually improve the quality of teaching.