At Yarra Ranges SDS we want students to be effective learners, and live full and meaningful lives. We know that it is important for everyone to feel valued and safe in our school.
Our Early Education Program is for children aged 2 years and 8 months until school age.
Our school aged students are grouped into three key sections:
- Juniors for students aged from 5 to 8 and covering the years from Prep to Year 3
- Middle School for students aged from 9 to 15 and spaning Years 4 to Year 10
- Senior Pathways for students aged 16 to 18 and providing for Years 11 and 12
Class groups are organised based around friendships, strengths and interests, and student ages. Class size averages between 5 and 8 students per group and are taught by a Teacher assisted by an Education Support Officer. All staff are enthusiastic in the preparation and delivery of interesting and appropriate curriculum activities for all students.
Teachers work in multi-disciplinary teams which include speech pathologists, occupational therapists, music therapist and physiotherapist. The school follows the AusVELS curriculum as prescribed by the Victorian Department of Education and Training.
Individual Educational Plans are developed for each student based on their individual needs. These are developed in conjunction with parents/carers and therapists.
We have adopted a Schoolwide-Positive Behaviour Support approach to behaviour and have established a continuum of support which considers all students, promotes positive behaviour and emphasizes prevention.
Since 1991 Yarra Ranges Special Developmental School has been located in Morrison Reserve, which is shared with Yarra Hills Secondary College and Fernhill Pre-school. The school is situated on 3.2 hectares of land with purpose-designed buildings, a hydrotherapy pool, fitness areas, attractive outdoor spaces and recreation areas. Set in a delightful location, with views of distant hills, Yarra Ranges S.D.S. is a beautiful environment in which to learn and grow.