Overview of Learning Support
At St Dominic’s, our students are supported to become successful lifelong learners capable of reaching their God given potential. We recognise that every student learns differently, and we offer a range of additional programs tailored to support students with varying learning needs. These programs aim to provide every student with the tools and support necessary to succeed academically and feel confident in their learning.
Literacy Intervention
For students needing literacy support, St. Dominic’s offers the MiniLit and MacqLit programs. Both programs are evidence-based and designed to cater to individual student needs, providing targeted interventions to boost literacy levels and foster a love for reading.
MiniLit Sage
MiniLit Sage is a literacy intervention program designed for young children in Years 1 and 2 who require support learning to read. The program is designed to be delivered to small groups using the carefully structured MiniLit Sage program materials. Each lesson has two distinct areas of instruction:
• Working with Sounds and Words – where children are explicitly taught the relationship between sounds and letters and how this knowledge is critical to reading.
• Practice and Application – where further opportunities are provided for the children to practise their reading skills using a variety of activities and resources.
MacqLit
MacqLit is a reading program for children in Year 3 and above who need some help with their reading. It usually takes place in groups of up to four students. It has been developed by MultiLit, a research-based initiative of Macquarie University. Teachers or teacher assistants work with small groups throughout the week, using the carefully structured MacqLit materials. The program teaches children how to read and spell words using appropriate strategies.
Mathematics Support
Mathematics support at St Dominic’s begins in the Early Years should teachers find that children are struggling with whole number concepts such as counting, place value, addition/subtraction and multiplication/division. Any children in Year 1 and 2 not thriving mathematically are given the opportunity to participate in a maths support program that is based around a well known program used in Catholic Education called EMU (Extending Mathematical Understanding). This is a research based intervention approach that has been shown to improve students’ knowledge and confidence in Mathematics. Our Mathematics support offers intensive learning opportunities within a small group with the numeracy support teacher for 10 to 20 weeks.
V-EALD (Virtual English as an Additional Language/Dialect)
To support students at the school who are learning to speak English, St. Dominic’s offers V-EALD classes, facilitated by Catholic Education Western Australia (CEWA). V-EALD provides students with the opportunity to join classes online, led by an English as an Additional Language/Dialect (EALD) teacher. St. Dominic’s staff work closely with students to ensure they can access and fully participate in these lessons, regardless of their language background. By embracing technology and collaboration, V-EALD opens doors to language learning and cultural exchange.
Beyond these specific programs, St Dominic’s offers comprehensive support to all students with diverse learning needs. This includes individualised learning plans, access to learning support staff, and a nurturing environment where every student feels valued and supported.