The Learning Support Unit (LSU) is a special setting that caters for the unique needs of students at Canberra High School. Having autism (including Asperger's Syndrome) does not mean you cannot learn, in fact some of the smartest people around have autism. This can mean that they think differently, which can make it hard for them to be understood or for them to understand other people and situations. This can make life difficult for a person with autism. It may be hard to make new friends or to know what is expected of them in a new situation. The LSU provides a program which targets these unique needs, including highly structured programs for literacy, numeracy, language and communication, and social skills. An LSU student's program typically contains a mix of classes in mainstream high school and also specialised classed within the LSU. The LSU also provides support for our students in mainstream classes. The process of gaining a place in the LSU is controlled centrally by the Education Directorate.
Students with disability
Every child or young person is welcome to learn at their local ACT public school. Our school is committed to removing barriers so all students can access learning. Quality teaching practice helps all students, and our teachers make adjustments for students who need them to ensure they successfully access and participate in learning and school activities.
Adjustments for students may include:
- providing extra visual cues and information
- breaking down tasks or presenting them in a different way
- providing more practice of learning tasks or repetition
- checking for understanding
- changes to the environment
- providing other ways for a student to communicate
- strategies to meet a student’s sensory needs
- access to quiet spaces to assist with regulation.
These adjustments might be made in a smaller group learning situation and at times the class teacher may be assisted by another educator.
Read more about how students with disability are supported in ACT public schools.