DEAF Education Program

PROGRAMS

Deaf and hard of hearing students who enrol at Belmont City College have access to both the Deaf Education Program and mainstream curriculum ensuring the highest level of inclusion for all deaf and hard of hearing students.

Belmont City College has supported Deaf Education since 1989 and has been operating as a program since 2013, educating Auslan, bilingual and oral students. Students in year 7, 8, 9 and 10 attend mainstream classes and can receive additional support in the Deaf Education classroom. Year 11 and 12 students have access to a diverse number of pathways in ATAR, General, Foundation, ASDAN and Vocational Educational and Training (VET) courses. Deaf and hard of hearing students are dual enrolled with the School of Special Education Needs: Sensory and access the Expanded Core Curriculum and Youth Engagement Days.

Typically, Deaf and hard of hearing students are grouped together according to year level so that a cohort of students can be formed. This provides the students with a basis for forming friendships to develop their social and emotional well-being. It also enables students to access greater support than could be achieved if the student was enrolled in a local high school without other Deaf and hard of hearing students. Students are able to access additional academic support at the College’s after school homework club.

Students of all abilities are catered for at Belmont City College and are able to access any specialist subject or course offered including the A Plus Academic Excellence Program. Students’ academic progress is monitored through an Individualised Education Plan (IEP) that is developed in consultation with the student and their parents.

Belmont City College is an inclusive school and students are supported and encouraged to participate in all activities offered including, student council, interschool sport and the Arts.  Educational Interpreters can support Auslan students’ participation in after school sport training and performance rehearsals. Deaf and hard of hearing students have actively represented the college in AFLW, volleyball, rugby, netball and soccer. In the Arts, both boys and girls have performed dance routines to large audiences as part of the annual Belmont City College Arts Gala. The Deaf Education Program encourages links with community by supporting student involvement in Deaf Sports Australia and National Week of Deaf People, and building connections with Access Plus and WA Foundation for Deaf Children.

Belmont City College employs Teachers of the Deaf who deliver the West Australian curriculum and the Expanded Core Curriculum for Deaf and hard of hearing students. They also support mainstream teachers on how to best deliver the curriculum to Deaf and hard of hearing students who are enrolled in mainstream education classes. Educational Interpreters provide supported access to the curriculum, and a Deaf mentor supports students as an Auslan and Deaf cultural role model. Hearing Australia visit once a term to assist in diagnosis and maintaining equipment. Student services staff are available to support our students’ social and emotional well-being.

 

Enrolling in the Deaf Education Program

Students need to have a permanent hearing loss and enrolled or eligible to be enrolled with the School of Special Education Needs: Sensory.  Parents are invited to contact Belmont City College for additional information or arrange an appointment with the Associate Principal to discuss enrolment.

For further information, please contact:

Deaf Education Program Coordinator:

Phone: 08 9473 9800

Email: Belmont.CC.DeafEducation@education.wa.edu.au