St Stithians’ Inclusion Model

St Stithians College launched its Inclusion Model in January this year after much research, debate and deliberation by our academic staff.

The Vision: To become a fully inclusive St Stithians.

The Mission: Through Inclusion, every learner may actualize his/her potential, and that the team responsible endeavours to work with passion.

What is the Inclusion Method?

Underpinning Inclusion is a zero-rejection philosophy where the acceptance of all learners is unconditional, by recognizing that “we are one even though we are not the same”. The Inclusion Model undertakes to educate each learner to his/her maximum potential within the classroom. All learners can learn, and the Inclusion Model recognizes and works with the individual’s unique application and learning ability. Unlike the traditional, remedial method of corrective teaching, the Inclusion Model is interactive, and takes into account and addresses a spectrum of factors affecting the learner’s progress. Instead of all problems being attributed to the learner, under the Inclusion Model the school system becomes flexible enough to accommodate the individual’s needs.

How is the Inclusion Method being implemented?

In the Colleges & Junior Prep, learners are no longer withdrawn from the body of the class but are provided with intervention within the classroom. Newly appointed Learning Support Staff collaborate and consult with the class teachers. These support teachers co-plan, co-tech, and make modifications and adaptations where necessary in the classroom to ensure that the individual’s needs are met. The learner’s abilities are in focus, as opposed to his/her disabilities. Flexibility within the curriculum, innovative teaching and assessment methodologies have all been addressed.

Case conferences are held regularly to discuss the individuals on the Inclusion programme, and on-going professional development and in-service training of staff will continue. Interactive meetings with parents are also held.

How is the Inclusion Method afforded?

To date, four highly experienced and qualified Learning Support Staff members have been employed, as well as three intern Educational Psychologists. However, the budget is limited so this is just a start. We aim to build on the programme each year. Occupational and Speech Therapists, currently based in the new Junior Prep School, will fall under the umbrella of academic support. Their aim is to work as a team but they will continue to offer therapy for the parents’ account.

Saint’s Learning Community Forum

The Forum, already up and running, is crucial to the success of the Inclusion Model. This forum offers support to all families and will be involved in various fund raisers. All parents of learners receiving support are encouraged to join the Forum. For further information contact mychild@inclusion.co.za

For further information about the St Stithians’ Inclusion Model contact the Learning Support Staff at your child’s school or Dr. Irene Lategan at the boys’ College (787-5618).