Livingstone’s Enrichment Department has focussed intensely and intentionally on answering the question, “What possibilities can be made available for Livingstone students through Inclusive Education?” In particular, how can students with disability or additional needs flourish every day? Inclusive Education is important to students’ sense of belonging at school. This is especially so for students with disability.

“Long-standing misconceptions about the capacities of students with disabilities to thrive in an inclusive classroom must be countered – teachers, school administrators and parents must be supported and educated so that students with disabilities experience effective welcoming schools and classrooms that meet their needs.” (www.allmeansall.org)

So what does Inclusive Education look like at Livingstone? 

The beauty and essence of inclusive education lies in its invisibility. If you were to walk past a Livingstone classroom, you will see all students in the room learning together. Learning in the 21st Century looks increasingly diverse, but equally as rich and deep.
Here are some of the markers which demonstrate our inclusive education environment:

Students in Class

The benefits of students learning in the same classroom as everyone else include:

• Feeling part of the class community
• Utilising the strengths and interests of all students
• Teachers weave in specially designed instruction and support that can help all students make progress
• Representing the real world

Owning their Learning

Student achievement, published in John Hattie’s “Visible Learning for teachers” (2012), explained that self-reported grades comes out at the top of all influences. Students in class, setting and achieving their own goals, is a fundamental part of inclusive education at Livingstone.

Collaboration and Consultation

Parents want what is best for their child, and teachers want what is best for their students. You have likely heard the African phrase “It takes a village to raise a child,” and at times, we need specialists and other experts around the table in the village, to create the best support plan possible. By working together, students and the support team can provide the best learning environment, both at home and at school.

Stronger Teacher - Student Relationships

Teacher credibility is another powerful influence on student achievement. To gain credibility though, students need to be with their teacher. Inclusive education at Livingstone is about adapting and adjusting the learning space, the method of teaching, the assessment and curriculum. John Hattie urges teachers and schools to remove barriers between teachers and students. By adjusting to meet student needs, teachers gain the trust of their students, and the credibility needed to influence students exceeding their potential at school.

Directed Support

Each and every student has strengths and weakness when it comes to learning. As in all aspects of life, we are most happy and contributors to our community, when we acknowledge the weakness, and nurture our strengths. Some students have additional needs when engage with their learning, to overcome areas which need support. Students are invited to collaborate and consult on their learning plan, and choose from a diverse menu of adjustments. Information from students about how they best learn, and where they are headed in the future, informs the allocation and direction of support resources.
Examples of directed support includes:

• Modified exams
• Additional support with assignment drafts
• Using IT in class
• Alternative assessments so I can show what students know and can do, in a different format
• Attending higher grades for subjects of significant strength

Contact

If you would like to discuss Enrichment options for your child at Livingstone, please discuss this with our Registrar and other staff during the enrolment process. 
For families with current students at Livingstone, please contact your child's teacher directly to start a conversation.