Programs & Curriculum

The Glenleighden School curriculum integrates multidisciplinary perspectives on intervention, including specialist teaching, speech-language therapy, occupational therapy, physiotherapy, music therapy and psychology.  The programs are organised at four school levels.

Specialist Teaching
Education involves specialist teaching methods and management approaches based on a detailed understanding of the processing characteristics and learning styles of the students.  Because of the nature of their learning difficulties, there is a very strong emphasis on students acquiring sound literacy and numeracy foundation skills.

Speech-Language Therapy
Because a language disorder is the primary disability constraining the students' intellectual and social growth, language learning is emphasised in all program areas and activities.  It is also formally taught through explicit instruction because learning language is not a spontaneous process for these students as it is in normal language learning.  Speech-language therapists address the comprehensive speech and language needs of the students through both individual and group sessions as required.

Occupational Therapy and Physiotherapy
The neurological basis of childhood language disorders is such that the language problems are often associated with other neurologically based developmental immaturities such as sensory/perceptual and movement weaknesses evidenced in gross and fine motor skills.  The specialised programs conducted by occupational therapists and physiotherapists address these areas of need at the most basic levels and also in functional performance such as handwriting, movement to music and sporting abilities.

Music Therapy
Music Therapy is utilized to facilitate children's development in language, motor and sensory areas in contexts which are fun, motivating and promote individual's achievements and self-esteem.

Psychology
In addition to the psychological needs of the students in terms of behavioural control, motivation and self-esteem, there are parental needs for support and education which are addressed through a psychologically-oriented pastoral care system.

All these disciplines contribute to the initial diagnostic evaluation of student's needs and regular reviews of progress.

CHI.L.D. Association Curriculum Document