Additional learning support

At Port Hacking High School, we are committed to ensuring that every student feels supported, included, and ready to learn. We work in partnership with families to provide high-quality support for students with disability and additional learning needs, so they can confidently participate in all aspects of school life. Students do not require a formal diagnosis to access support in our mainstream classrooms, and assistance can begin at any stage of schooling.

Support that fits your child's needs

Some students need extra help to thrive, and at Port Hacking High School we tailor support to match each student’s strengths, needs and goals. Through collaboration with students, families and teachers, we develop personalised plans and adjustments that set every learner up for success.

Examples of support include:

Learning Support

• Teachers and support staff working closely with families (and students, when appropriate)
• Specialist assistance for students learning English as an Additional Language or Dialect (EAL/D)
• Tailored programs for high potential and gifted learners
• Small group tutoring targeting literacy and numeracy
• Regular check-ins to review and refine supports
• Strive Hive Homework Club: A Learning Hub at room 137C on Mondays and Wednesdays during lunch for students who require extra assistance with their homework, assessments, organisation, study routines and clearing N Warnings.

Classroom Adjustments

• Accessible classrooms and learning environments
• Assistive technologies
• Visual supports and instructional resources
• Additional guidance, scaffolded content, or modified learning focus

Assessment Adjustments

• Extra time to complete tasks
• Simplified language
• Rest breaks during assessments
• Alternative task formats (e.g. oral presentations instead of written tasks)

Learning and support team

Our Learning and Support Team (LST) ensures that every student receives timely and appropriate help. The team collaborates with families, teachers and support staff to:

• Understand each student’s needs
• Plan tailored adjustments
• Monitor progress
• Connect families with additional services when required

The LST at Port Hacking High School may include:

• Deputy Principal
• Head Teacher Learning and Support
• Learning and Support Teachers (LaST)
• School Learning Support Officers (SLSOs)
• School counsellors and psychologists
• Student Support Officer
• Aboriginal Education Coordinator or Officers
• Itinerant support teachers (vision or hearing)

Families are welcome to meet with the Learning and Support Team at any time to discuss their child’s strengths, interests, and learning needs.

Individualised Learning

Our Learning Support Team provides both academic and wellbeing-focused assistance. Through collaboration between students and their families, specialists, teachers, Head Teacher Learning Support, Learning and Support Teachers (LaSTs) and Student Learning and Support Officer (SLSOs), we develop Personalised Learning Plans (PLPs) that guide classroom practice and ensure each student is supported effectively.

Literacy and Numeracy at Port Hacking High School

Strong literacy and numeracy foundations are essential for life beyond school. Our teachers embed explicit instruction, targeted small-group intervention, and differentiated support across all subjects. This “back-to-basics” approach builds student confidence and skills in:

• Reading and writing
• Numeracy
• Spelling, punctuation and grammar

This targeted teaching approach supports student growth and strengthens performance in Year 9 NAPLAN and the HSC.

The Role of the Learning and Support Teacher (LaST)

Our LaST plays a vital role in supporting students and building teacher capacity. Their work includes:

• Collaborating as part of the Learning Support Team
• Team-teaching within targeted classes
• Analysing literacy data (including national assessments) to identify student needs
• Providing resource materials and professional learning for teachers
• Conducting small-group withdrawal sessions for intensive reading/writing support
• Assisting students with scaffolding and completing assessment tasks
• Supporting Year 6 transition through pre-entry testing
• Maintaining communication with parents and carers
• Supporting students who self-refer for learning assistance

Contact us to meet with a member of this team to talk about your child’s strengths, interests and areas where they may need support.

Have a question about learning support?

We’re here to talk through your options. Contact us to speak with the principal or learning and support team.

Contact us