Cobram and District Specialist School was established in 1978 in Cobram, located on the Murray River, 280 kilometres from Melbourne.The school's vision is to provide positive learning experiences, which allow students to achieve their optimum level of academic, social, emotional and physical independence.The school aims to ensure that its values of Respect, Safety and Try Your Best underpin all activity of the school.The school has made a concerted effort towards developing a whole-school approach to Behaviour Management through the implementation of Positive Behaviour Support. School values are taught, explicitly, on a weekly basis, through the Positive Behaviour Support program.Sixty-two students are enrolled at the school. To be eligible to attend the school, students are assessed by a psychologist and diagnosed with an Intellectual Disability.Each child has an Individual Learning Plan, which is based on the goals set in the Student Support Group meetings.The school's curriculum supports achievement at different stages of learning as defined by the Victorian Curriculum. The Victorian Curriculum is complemented by a range of additional learning experiences including speech therapy, occupational therapy, excursions, camps, community and environmental projects. Students are organised into nine classrooms, each catering for students of different age or need.Each year, the school makes use of resources and facilities from other local schools, service organisations and health experts to support its programs.We have a close connection with Verney Rd. School, Belvoir and Wangaratta Specialist schools. Interschool sports such as swimming, athletics, cross-country, soccer, football, netball and basketball occur throughout the year.The school's facilities include nine classrooms, art room, sensory room and a multipurpose facility, which includes a separate kitchen. Students have access to ICT with students in the middle and senior years having one-on-one computer/iPad access. The school's external facilities include playground equipment and an asphalt open play area. The school is adjacent to Cobram Primary School. Due to the small outside area, we have use of Cobram Primary School's oval and playground.There are six full-time and five part-time teachers and eighteen education support staff. Teachers and education support staff work together with health experts to plan and implement programs. A speech pathologist visits the school once a fortnight, and a physiotherapist once a term. A Mental Health Practitioner is available at the school two days per week and she also fulfills an occupational therapy role for all students. The school employs a Disability Inclusion Coordinator as well as a Welfare/Transitions Officer who has also taken on the position of NDIS Navigator to assist parents with this process. The School Council oversees the governance of the school and ensures the teachers have the resources and facilities to provide quality educational programs for the students.The senior unit is divided into VPC/VET and Independent Living Skills (SPEC).
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