The Vern Barnett School was the first Aspect School,
established in the early 1970s to provide autism
specific education programs. It
is an independent school and provides placement
for approximately 96 children with an autism
spectrum disorder of 3-16 years of age from across
Northern Sydney Metropolitan areas and the Far
North Coast.
The base school operates from Forestville, plus it
has ten satellite classes in both NSW Department
of Education and Catholic Schools throughout
the northern suburbs of Sydney and at Alstonville
on the Far North Coast. The school also offers
an early childhood integration class at Forestville
for young children.
Satellite classes are located at:
St Kevin’s Primary School, Eastwood
Corpus Christi Primary School, St Ives
Sacred Heart Primary School, Mona Vale
Our Lady of Good Counsel, Forestville
Lane Cove Primary School
St Joseph’s Primary School, Alstonville
Each student has an Individual Education Plan (IEP). Student
outcomes may be implemented at individual, small
group or whole school level and many goals are
implemented across school and community environments. Aspect’s
Core Competency areas are Communication, Social
Skills, Behaviour and Sensory. These are taught
in conjunction with the Board of Studies Key
Learning Areas: English, Mathematics, Science and Technology,
Human Society and Its Environment, Creative Arts
and Personal Development, Health and Physical Education. The
school places a strong emphasis on Creative Arts. A
specialised Art Program is implemented on a weekly
basis to teach students visual arts techniques
and extend skills of gifted students. An art
auction is also held on a yearly basis, with artwork
submitted from each child in the school. Students
also have the opportunity to participate in Music Therapy
sessions.
At Vern Barnett School in Forestville, students have
access to inside and outside play areas with a variety
of equipment, a computer lab, a swimming pool, trampoline,
school hall, bush track and a kitchen. Students
also access the local shops and library, which are
a short walk away.
Classroom staff are supported by a Learning Support
Team consisting of a School Counsellor (Psychologist),
Speech Pathologist, Occupational Therapist and executive
staff. Each class teacher is also supported by
a teacher’s aide.
The school has an active Parents and Friends group
which organises events and fundraising throughout
the school year.
Download
2006 Annual Report
