Diverse Learners Hub

Department of Education (DE) Resources

DE Diverse Learners Hub
Victorian Department of Education:
https://www.vic.gov.au/diverse-learners-hub

The Diverse Learners Hub (Victorian Department of Education) provides clear, parent-friendly information about how schools support students with diverse learning needs. It explains classroom adjustments, learning plans, wellbeing and behaviour supports, and how families work in partnership with schools to support student learning and inclusion.

Key Contacts

At GEC, staff are encouraged to use DE resources as a reference point, alongside school-based

processes and professional judgement.

Key Terms

Disability Inclusion Profile (DIP)

https://www.vic.gov.au/disability-inclusion

Context for GEC
Identifies student strengths, needs and reasonable adjustments for eligible students

Program for Students with Disabilities (PSD)

https://www.vic.gov.au/program-students-disabilities

Context for GEC
Legacy funding model (pre-Disability Inclusion); historical reference for some students

Learning Support Officer (LSO)

https://www.vic.gov.au/learning-support-officer

Context for GEC
Provides targeted in-class and small-group support under teacher direction

Student Support Group (SSG)

https://www.vic.gov.au/student-support-groups

Context for GEC
Collaborative planning group involving school, family and relevant professionals

Disability Manager (DM)

https://www.vic.gov.au/disability-inclusion

Context for GEC
DE regional role supporting Disability Inclusion processes

Individual Education Plan (IEP)

https://www.vic.gov.au/individual-education-plans

Context for GEC
An Individual Education Plan (IEP) documents reasonable adjustments, learning goals and supports for students with additional learning needs. At GEC, IEPs are developed collaboratively through the Student Support Group (SSG) process and reviewed regularly.

Individual Learning Plan (ILP)

https://www.vic.gov.au/individual-learning-plans

Context for GEC
Not used at GEC – ILP content is incorporated into IEPs

Behaviour Support Plan (BSP)

https://www.vic.gov.au/behaviour-support-plans

Context for GEC
Documents proactive strategies, adjustments and responses to support positive behaviour

Targeted Support Plan (TSP)

https://www.vic.gov.au/student-support-groups

Context for GEC
Short-term, focused plan addressing specific learning, wellbeing or engagement needs

SMART Goals (SMART)

https://www.vic.gov.au/goal-setting-schools

Context for GEC
Goals that are Specific, Measurable, Achievable, Relevant and Time-bound; embedded across plans

Victorian Curriculum and Assessment Authority (VCAA)

https://www.vcaa.vic.edu.au

Context for GEC
Sets curriculum and assessment requirements for Victorian Curriculum F–10, VCE, VCE VM and VPC

VCAA Special Provision (SP)

https://www.vcaa.vic.edu.au/assessment/special-provision

Context for GEC
Supports fair assessment access due to illness, disability or adverse circumstances

Virtual School Victoria (VSV)

https://www.vsv.vic.edu.au

Context for GEC
Virtual School Victoria (VSV) is a Department of Education online learning provider for Victorian students. There has been increased interest and positive feedback from the GEC community, particularly for students requiring flexible learning options due to health, engagement or pathway needs.

Diverse Learners Hub – Autism & Specific Learning Disabilities (ARC)

https://arc.educationapps.vic.gov.au/learning/sites/diverse-learners-hub/2233/Diverse-Learners-Hub-resources

Context for GEC
This Department of Education resource provides clear, practical information about Autism and specific learning disabilities (including Dyslexia, Dysgraphia and Dyscalculia). Parents have found this link extremely helpful in understanding learning needs and available supports, and it is recommended as a key reference for the GEC community.

Dyslexia

https://www.vic.gov.au/dyslexia

Context for GEC
Dyslexia is a specific learning disability that primarily affects reading and spelling. This Department of Education resource supports families to understand dyslexia and the reasonable adjustments that may support students at GEC.

Dysgraphia

https://www.vic.gov.au/dysgraphia

Context for GEC
Dysgraphia is a specific learning disability that impacts writing skills, including handwriting, spelling and written expression. This DE resource provides guidance for families and schools in supporting students.

Dyscalculia

https://www.vic.gov.au/dyscalculia

Context for GEC
Dyscalculia is a specific learning disability that affects understanding and working with numbers and mathematics. This DE resource helps families understand learning needs and appropriate supports at school.

*Please note not all learning disabilities are listed here. Please see https://www.vic.gov.au/diverse-learners-hub

GEC Learning Support Pathway

“Who do I go to…?”
At GEC, classroom teachers remain the first point of contact. Concerns are escalated through Year Level Coordinators / Subschool Leaders, then to Learning Support, Wellbeing, or Assistant Principal as required.

Step 1:

Classroom Teacher
- Identify and discuss concerns
- Implement classroom adjustments
- Gather evidence

Step 2:

Year Level Coordinator
- Discuss concerns and strategies
- Review data and adjustments
- Determine next steps

Step 3:

Learning Support / Wellbeing Team
- Consider further assessment
- Determine need for SSG, IEP, or referrals
- Align supports with DE frameworks

Step 4 (if required):

SSG / Disability Inclusion Processes
- Collaborative planning
- Review and refine supports

Sean Hogarth

Assistant Principal

Year Level / Area
Whole school – Wellbeing & Learning Support

When to Contact
Escalated wellbeing concerns, complex cases, whole-school support pathways

Nick Ford

Leading Teacher

Year Level / Area
Learning Support / Inclusive Practice

When to Contact
Adjustments, targeted supports, learning plans, consultation

Niketa Archer

Subschool Leader

Year Level / Area
Years 7–8

When to Contact
First point of contact for junior school wellbeing or learning concerns

David Juricevich

Subschool Leader

Year Level / Area
Years 9–10

When to Contact
Support for middle years wellbeing, engagement and learning needs

Jeff Micallef

Subschool Leader

Year Level / Area
Years 10–11

When to Contact
Senior years wellbeing, engagement, pathways and support coordination

Wellbeing Support for Students with Diverse Learning Needs

At GEC, Wellbeing supports are integrated with learning supports. Students with diverse learning needs may access wellbeing resources through classroom adjustments, Targeted Support Plans, Behaviour Support Plans, and referrals to the Wellbeing Team.

ADHD
Understanding ADHD, emotional regulation, executive functioning

https://headspace.org.au/explore-topics/for-young-people/adhd/

Context for GEC
Used to support students with attention, organisation, impulsivity and emotional regulation challenges

Anxiety
Anxiety management, coping strategies, grounding techniques

https://headspace.org.au/assets/download-cards/03-Anxiety-headspace-fact-sheet-WEB-v2.pdf

Context for GEC
Referenced for students experiencing anxiety impacting learning, attendance or engagement

Grief and Loss
Processing grief, loss and change

https://headspace.org.au/explore-topics/for-young-people/grief-and-loss/

Context for GEC
Supports students impacted by bereavement, family change or significant life events

Emotional Regulation
Managing big emotions, stress responses

https://headspace.org.au/explore-topics/for-young-people/stress/

Context for GEC
Linked to Behaviour Support Plans and classroom regulation strategies