Berry Street Web Docs Berry Street School Annual Report 2013 | Page 3

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OVERVIEW OF
BERRY STREET’S
APPROACH TO
EDUCATION
Berry Street believes all children should have a good childhood,
growing up feeling safe, nurtured and with hope for the future. We
believe all children have the right to a high quality education that helps
them THRIVE, ACHIEVE, and BELONG.
The Berry Street School is a specialist independent school consisting
of three campuses based in Morwell, Noble Park, and Shepparton.
The Berry Street School adheres to standards set by the Victorian
and Federal Governments. We offer an adaptation of the National
Curriculum for years 7-10 and the Victorian Certificate of Applied
Learning (VCAL).
Many students referred to Berry Street Education Services have
experienced trauma and disrupted attachment as a result of neglect,
abuse, violence, or being witness to family violence. Our students
may have significant gaps in academic achievement and have found
it difficult to learn in a group setting, presenting with behavioural
and social problems in school. Students flourish when the school
community is held to high expectations and students receive support
that best meets their individual goals.
The Berry Street School works from our model of Trauma-Informed
Positive Education which encompasses a structured vision of
wellbeing in the school community including the support of education
case-management for each of our students.
Our relationship-based practice is grounded in unconditional positive
regard for our students. The use of restorative practices assists
students to build the capacity to self regulate behaviour, nurture
relationships and ultimately to improve learning outcomes.
The Berry Street School provides students with an individual education
plan encompassing holistic support offering intensive literacy,
numeracy, and personal development programs. Programming
includes counselling, advice, and pathways planning.
Above all else, we put our students’ ability to THRIVE, ACHIEVE, and
BELONG at the centre of all we do.