Individual Needs

The Role of the Individual Needs Team

Students at Ivanhoe Grammar School have a broad spectrum of academic needs, which is in accord with our being an open entry school. Most students’ needs are met through differentiation in the classroom; however, there are students who require additional measures to be taken. The Individual Needs departments at each of the campuses work with the students who require additional support. We have students with a range of disabilities both cognitive and physical. It is not uncommon for a student to have more than one diagnosis. Individual Needs also support students without a diagnosed disability, such as students of very low cognitive ability.

Teachers are responsible and accountable for the progress and development of the students in their class, including where students access support from teaching assistants or specialist staff. High quality teaching, differentiated for individual students, is the first step in responding to students who have or may have Individual needs. Additional intervention and support cannot compensate for a lack of good quality teaching. Teachers are always invited to seek consultative advice from the Individual Needs team.

If you would like more information please contact our Head of Individual Needs Emma Linke at: emma.linke@ivanhoe.com.au

Tiers of Support

Support is provided at three broad levels, called tiers, according to the diagnosed need and strategies required to support the student. The Cross-Campus Individual Needs Team meet to discuss placement of student into the appropriate tier.