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Gladys Newton School is a government school, in Perth, Western Australia dedicated to the education of students with intellectual disablities.
Our mission is to provide, individualised, practical, meaningful, age appropriate, community referenced education programs, which promote the social, intellectual, emotional, creative and physical wellbeing of all students, within a positive and caring environment.
The school's spacious, safe and secure grounds provide a pleasant backdrop for students aged 3 to 18.
Our award winning sensory playground encourages students of all abilities to develop their gross motor skills.Class sizes are kept small, usually 6 to 8, with a high staff to student ratio.The caring staff are trained in the latest techniques used for the teaching of students with special needs, and receive regular training (including training in management of behaviour) to ensure they remain well infomed of new developments. In addition to those staff employed by the Education Department there are two nursing and several therapy staff on site.
School Bus Services provides a free bus service, between home and school, within the service area. This being the metropolitan area north of Karrinyup Road. and west of Alexander Drive. Each bus driver has an assistant to help students on and off and ensure a safe ride. |
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At Gladys Newton School we cater for students with all levels of disability, classrooms and specialty areas are fully wheelchair accessible.
Our hydrotherapy-swimming pool is heated all year round and has a hoist to allow wheelchair students easy access.
Gladys Newton school's gym facilities, containing both cardio-vascular and weight training equipment, have been adapted to allow as wide a cross section of our students as possible to improve their physical wellbeing. The on site physiotherapists have input on the programs run.
We have a sensory area, with both light and dark rooms, to provide a manageable sensory experience for our students. Switching booths allow students with limited movement or poor vision to experiment with cause and effect; Whilst the light room can be used to both stimulate and relax those students who find it difficult to regulate their own emotions.
Our award winning sensory playground is designed for students of all abilities. In addition to the usual swings and slides there is a music area, wheelchair path and tactile signs, for students with visual impairments.
The older students have outdoor fitness equipment and access to the workskills area which has a variety of activities similar to those provided by post school agencies.This being one of the ways the school helps provide a seamless transition to the students' post school options. We have recently had a Liberty swing installed for students who are in wheelchairs. |
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Younger students are well catered for at Gladys Newton School with their own playground and one of the best early intervention programs for students with an intellectual disability in WA.
The kindergarten and pre-school program places a strong emphasis on communication, self care and social skills.There is a close school-home liaison with regular home visits from the class teacher. The staff are also happy to communicate with other educational facilities and organisations for people with disabilities eg. other pre-school, Autism Association.
The junior program, students aged 6-8, builds on the communication, self care and social skills of pre-primary integrating Individual Education Plans for each student. Students are encouraged to use the skills they have aquired out in the community with weekly outings to a variety of locations.
Some of our students are given the opportunity of taking part in our satellite program.This is run from the primary school next door and allows our students to integrate with their peers while still being able to access all our school's facilities and our highly trained staff. The recent addition of a new walkway has made the movement of students between the two campuses even easier. |
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As the students at Gladys Newton School get older and their needs change, classes are grouped together at Gladys Newton based more on ability than age.This allows us to place each student in the class most suitable for their needs. Whether the student has autism, a physical or sensory disability in addition to their intellectual disability, there will be a program to suit.
Due to the increasing number of students entering Gladys Newton school with autism, many for the first time at high school age, our staff have gained much experience in teaching these students. With our staff training in TEACCH, PECS and behavior management skills, intergrated with a structured academic, workskills and recreation program, many students show great gains in both behavior and learning.
Some of our more able students attend TAFE once a week for a woodworking course. This not only allows them to gain a variety of skills they can use in later life, it also affords them the opportunity to interact with their peers in a more integrated setting.
Gladys Newton's post compulsory program for 15-18 year olds, aims to provide a seamless as possible transition from school to post school options for our students. With strong links to post school agencies, many agencies send staff to classes within the school, and supported work experience, this allows students to gradually adapt to life after school. |
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