Inclusion
The philosophy of Alesco Illawarra is inclusive education. Every child has a fundamental right to education, and must be given the opportunity to achieve and maintain an acceptable level of learning.
Inclusive schools are those ‘which include everybody, celebrate differences, support learning, and respond to individual needs’. This inclusive orientation is the most effective means of combating discriminatory attitudes, creating welcoming communities, building an inclusive society and achieving education for all.
Alesco Illawarra strives to achieve educational systems and programs designed and implemented to take into account the unique characteristics and needs of every young person. To further enhance this learning, staff work collaboratively with agencies within the wider community to provide opportunities to enhance student wellbeing.
The aim is to meet the challenge of ‘Education For All’. 1
1 UNESCO, 1994, The Salamanca Statement and Framework for Action on Special Needs Education, United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organisation, Paris.
Values
Alesco Illawarra’s core values are reflected in the management and operation of the school and participation of students, with the Student Code of Conduct, positive behaviour framework and pastoral care all revolving around our key values of Respect and Participation:
Respect for self
Respect for others
Respect for community
Relationships and Personal Growth
We aim to create positive relationships with our students. Breaking down barriers between students and teachers creates an environment in which young people feel comfortable learning.
We focus on helping young people believe in themselves and realise that they can shape their future and choose what it will be, regardless of what has come before.
We seek to provide opportunities for each young person to:
- grow as a person,
- learn how to form positive interpersonal relationships,
- enhance their desire to learn for learning’s sake,
- progress in their knowledge and skills.
We attempt to accept young people as they are, and however they choose to express themselves, within a framework of mutual respect. Alesco Illawarra operates within a framework of Positive Behaviour Support in which students are explicitly taught the ideals of respect and participation and encouraged to practise these each day.
We seek to provide learning opportunities for young people which prove their capabilities and help them reach their potential, in an environment that is designed specifically for their inclusion.
