Learning
Penrith Valley School is a school for specific purposes, catering to the individual needs of 42 students with a range of additional emotional and behaviour support needs. Students across Western Sydney access our program, but predominantly students are locals from the Penrith LGA. We enrol students from year 5-12 who are selected through the Nirimba School Services Placement Panel process. Application for shared enrolment is made through local schools using the Access Request procedures.
With high staff ratios and targeted resourcing, we are transforming our physical environment and developing skill and expertise to deliver quality, individualised/targeted education programs. In addition to our passionate teaching and support staff, Penrith Valley School has a School Counsellor, Student Support Officer and Aboriginal Education Officer.
Our teaching and learning programs are evidence-based, with staff trained in trauma-informed practice. Our school-wide Social and Emotional Learning (SEL) supports students to learn about social, emotional, and behavioural regulation, and incorporated physical activity for wellbeing.
Our programs are differentiated to meet our broad range of student needs.
The Junior Program offers a focus on core outcomes outlined in syllabus documents for students in years 5-8. Pathways include a return to their local school or transition into the Senior Program. We provide intensive literacy and numeracy programs. We enrich the Junior program with cooking and hospitality skills, sports and wellbeing, and programs offered through external specialist providers and community organisations.
The Senior Program has a focus on a work and/or TAFE pathway for students in years 9-12. Students undertake a curriculum that allows flexibility in accessing courses and certifications through TVET, EVET, Registered Training Organisations, work experience, and community organisations. Our Senior Program has a strong focus on attaining the skills and knowledge to become a contributing and functioning member of society.
With a strong focus on student culture and community, 2021-2025 will emphasis a shared understanding of high expectations for all students and staff. At Penrith Valley School, we want the best possible future for our students, inclusive of a range of backgrounds and circumstances.
Like all NSW schools, we have developed teaching and learning programs to suit our local context and the needs of our students.
Why choose us for your child’s learning?
High-quality education
We offer a range of subjects to match what students enjoy and want to learn about. Our skilled teachers support every student to find what they love, do their best and succeed.
Inclusive and personalised learning
Our teachers adjust how they teach to suit your child’s needs, interests and learning pace. We make sure every student feels confident and supported.
Extension opportunities
Some students are ready for more challenges. We offer open-ended tasks, enrichment programs and support. We help all students to reach their full potential.
What students learn
Students learn a wide range of subjects in the NSW curriculum. They build skills, think creatively and prepare for life beyond school.
Our learning approach
Our school uses explicit teaching. This means we clearly tell students what they are learning, why it is important and how to do it step by step. Explicit teaching helps students understand new ideas by breaking them into smaller parts.
Learning at our school is student-centred, inclusive and practical. We are committed to equity and access. We support all learning styles and needs. Our teachers use proven teaching strategies. They take part in ongoing professional development to stay up to date with best teaching practice.
Our learning approach includes:
- real-world learning: hands-on tasks, group work and exploring new ideas
- technology: to help students learn and build digital skills
- flexible teaching: the right support for each student, with a focus on wellbeing
- community connections: through excursions and local programs.
Helping students progress
We support every student’s academic progress by:
- checking their progress and giving clear and timely feedback
- setting learning goals with each student
- giving extra help with personalised plans and support from specialist staff
- reporting on each student’s learning progress so parents and carers know how their child is doing
- providing targeted literacy and numeracy support in small groups
- making wellbeing part of everyday learning
- working with families to support learning at home and school
- helping students through transitions, like starting school or moving to a new stage of learning.
Learn more about additional learning support at our school.
Want to know more about our subjects?
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Student opportunities and activities
Discover clubs, sports and other activities your child can enjoy at school.
Our principal and staff
Get to know our principal and staff, who work together to create a positive school culture.